Competition/European Law: State Aid | Europe

Andreas von Bonin skilfully handles major state aid litigation on behalf of beneficiary companies. He is held out as a high-profile figure in the state aid space, advising prominent European clients on state aid issues with standout experience in the energy markets sector.

In addition to his superb state aid practice in the energy and aviation sectors, Jacques Derenne advises on French or Belgian litigation and any related EGC preliminary referrals that examine the application of EU law in member states. He is admitted to the Paris and Brussels Bars and is the head of the EU Competition & Regulatory practice in Sheppard Mullin’s Brussels office.

Massimo Merola of BonelliErede has a longstanding reputation as one of the top choices for complex state aid matters. He acts for beneficiary companies or their representative bodies on EC state aid investigations, on EGC appeals or on their role in the notification of new state aid measures. Massimo Merola is also central to the firm's wider EU competition practice, assisting clients with merger clearance notifications. He is admitted to practice in Italy and often advises Italian clients on state aid matters before the Italian authorities.

Elisabetta Righini is known for having experience in state aid matters as both a private practitioner and from her previous role at the Commission. She has notably acted for complainants to the EC and EGC alleging unlawful aid and is adept at advising clients on the implementation of the EU Regulation on Foreign Subsidies. She joined Sidley Austin in early 2025.

Hendrik Viaene of McDermott Will & Emery showcases his state aid expertise in his work on behalf of beneficiaries either facing new Commission investigations or appealing EC decisions on tax rulings. He is equally well placed to ensure companies remain compliant with state aid measures. He acts for the Belgian state and regions on the notification of state aid measures, while his highlight competition law mandates include advice on the defendant side of BCA cartel investigations.

Carole Maczkovics enters the rankings this year on the back of notable activity in the field of state aid. She is a popular choice with clients from the transport sector and also with clients from the Baltic region. She frequently advises on challenges against alleged illegal state aid, as well as assisting with the notification of state aid schemes to the EC.

Francesco Maria Salerno is admitted to practice in both Italy and Brussels and is the managing partner of Gianni & Origoni's Brussels office. He exhibits a focus on complex state aid matters. He is particularly active advising Italian clients, providing general state aid advice as well as representation before EU courts in contentious cases.

Johan Ysewyn has a notably broad practice across state aid, as well as merger filings and cartel investigations that fall within the remit of either the BCA or the EC. His state aid practice is characterised by strong aviation sector expertise, while his domestic ranking is based on his capacity to handle sophisticated contentious and non-contentious BCA matters. He additionally advises clients on EC investigations in the technology sector and on the new Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

Karel Bourgeois is a seasoned practitioner with a solid experience advising public bodies and clients in regulated sectors on state aid appeals and investigations before the European Commission. His practice also extends to the notification of state aid schemes to authorities and advising clients on the EU's new Foreign Subsidies Regulation.

Lena Sandberg of K&L Gates shows visibility on notable state aid matters, with a particular focus on infrastructure projects in the transport sector.

Lode Van Den Hende has notable experience in state aid enforcement, EU regulatory issues and contentious mandates, with a particular focus on representing clients from the energy and hospitality sectors.

Merit Olthoff enters the rankings this year on the back of impressive market feedback. She regularly advises clients on EU state aid procedures, and boasts particular experience in navigating clients through the funding of green transformation initiatives.

Dual-qualified in Belgium and Germany, Nina Niejahr has a busy state aid practice that includes representing clients in appeals against state aid decisions, as well as advising on the approval of state aid filings, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Heading Linklaters' Brussels state aid practice group and entering the rankings this year is Ina Lunneryd. She is frequently mandated by clients to assist with appeals to the EU General Court against state aid decisions and is adept at advising on FSR mandates.