Brussels, 26 March 2024
The Commission takes note of the withdrawal by CRRC Qingdao Sifang Locomotive Co., Ltd. from a public procurement tender organised by the Bulgarian Ministry of Transport and Communications. The withdrawal follows the Commission’s announcement of an in-depth investigation under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. As a result of the withdrawal, the Commission will close its in-depth investigation.
The public procurement tender concerns the purchase of 20 electric “push-pull” trains, as well as their maintenance over 15 years. The estimated value of the contract is around BGN 1.2 billion (€610 million).
CRRC Corporation Limited (known as CRRC) is a Chinese state-owned rolling stock manufacturer. It is the world’s largest rolling stock manufacturer in terms of revenue. Rolling stock manufacturers produce the locomotives and carriages used by railway operators, as well as subways, trams and other railway vehicles.
Quotes
In just a few weeks, our first investigation under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation has already yielded results. Our Single Market is open for firms that are truly competitive and play fair. We will continue to take all necessary measures to preserve Europe’s economic security and competitiveness – with assertiveness and speed.