The European Commission has decided to open formal inquiries into public support for three shipyards in Gdynia, Gdañsk and Szczecin. The restructuring aid granted to these yards will be scrutinised in the light of EC Treaty rules on state aid, and in particular the rules on state aid to companies in difficulties, in so far as it has been granted after the accession of Poland to the European Union on May 1 2004. The Commission will not examine several measures granted by the Polish authorities before accession. “The type of aid proposed by the Polish authorities is only compatible with EU rules if accompanied by a detailed restructuring plan involving durable industrial restructuring and not limited to servicing debt and improving liquidity.