The Dutch state is going to the European Court to challenge recovery of the remaining FresQ millions not yet repaid, reports Dutch news medium Financieele Dagblad (FD).
There are still 22 million euros at stake. The Netherlands has the money ready, it revealed late last year after parliamentary questions. About 33 million of the total 55 million euros of GMO subsidy has been repaid. Last year, the European Commission ruled that the Netherlands must pay back the full amount.
The receiver now holds only tomato growing and marketing company Kaaij Brothers responsible for the recovery of the unduly obtained GMO subsidy. Kaaij disputes this. In the latest bankruptcy report, the trustee reported "settling" the dispute. The Dutch newspaper reports that last November, premises belonging to Kaaij Brothers were seized. In doing so, the state claims around 50 million euros.
Professor of state aid Allard Knook explains in the newspaper why Brussels has every reason to insist on full repayment. If the Netherlands gets out from under full repayment, it could set a precedent.
Source: FD (€)