The transport commission of the European Union has opened an enquiry into the proposed 1,2 billion recapitalization needed to save Italys state flag carrier Alitalia from closure. The enquiry wants confirmation that the new capital will come mainly from private investors, rather than from the Italian government. More subsidies from the state would be a violation of EU regulations. The enquiry should be completed by the end of May.

In the meantime unions representing Alitalia airline crews are threatening to hold four separate 24 hour strikes, on the 8 and 21 February and on 4 and 16 March, to protest over safety and working conditions.