Written question – Different interpretations of state support rules impact 500 jobs – E-001676/2025

Question for written answer  E-001676/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dirk Gotink (PPE)

On Friday, 25 April 2025, an emergency meeting was announced at Apollo Vredestein’s factory in Enschede. The worst-case scenario is likely to happen: the loss of 500 employees[1]. In 2021, with a broad interpretation of the state support rules, Hungary invested in an alternative production site, and it is likely that production in Enschede will be relocated to there[2].

• 1.The Commission has previously stated that the state support provided by Hungary was permissible. Now the factory in Enschede will have to close, and this production will be relocated to Hungary. Can the Commission state its view of these developments?
• 2.Given this new production site and the recent developments, can the Commission take another look at the state support that Hungary has granted to Apollo Tyres?
• 3.Does the Commission agree with me that it is not desirable for different interpretations of state support rules in Member States to lead to unfair competition, and what does the Commission intend to do about this?

Submitted: 25.4.2025

• [1] https://www.tubantia.nl/enschede/spanning-in-enschede-vredestein-ligt-vrijdagmiddag-stil-personeel-opgetrommeld-dit-wordt-groot~ae92e42e/.
• [2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-9-2021-005190-ASW_EN.html.