Hengeler Mueller represents Lufthansa in proceedings before European Court of Justice on recapitalization during COVID-19 pandemic

Hengeler Mueller represented Deutsche Lufthansa AG in the proceedings before the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on Lufthansa's recapitalization during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2020, the European Commission authorized a 6 billion State recapitalization measure in favor of Lufthansa under the EU's state aid rules. Following proceedings brought by Ryanair and Condor against the Commission decision, the General Court annulled the Commission decision in May 2023. On appeal by Lufthansa, the ECJ - in its judgment of 23 April - overruled almost all findings of the General Court (despite the ECJ having had to reject Lufthansa’s appeal for procedural reasons).

Hengeler Mueller worked closely with the in-house legal team at Deutsche Lufthansa AG, including Jörg Meinke and Christian Raepple whose collaboration and strategic insight were instrumental in bringing the matter to a successful close.

Hengeler Mueller team for Deutsche Lufthansa

EU Competition Law: Hans-Jörg Niemeyer (lead), Christoph Wilken (both partner), Philipp Heuser, Christoph Sielmann (both senior associates, all Brussels).