EU opens in-depth probe into Romania's state aid to Ford plant

10/09/2008 22:31. BRUSSELS (Thomson Financial) - The European Commission opened on Wednesday an in-depth inquiry into state aid that the Romanian government plans to grant to a Ford Motor Co car factory in the country, expressing doubts over its compatibility with EU rules.

The inquiry concerns the Craiova factory, which Ford bought from Daewoo in 2007 and which would be granted state aid of 57 million euros for a staff training programme from 2008-2012.

EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes said state funds should actually cover supplementary training and not be used solely to cover large companies' normal operating costs.

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