Von der Leyen warns state aid 'unlevelling the playing field' in Europe

Relaxation of government subsidy rules benefiting wealthier EU states, says European Commission president

Ursula von der Leyen conceded that companies in rich countries including Germany have been given an unfair advantage by the relaxation of the EU's state aid rules, as she called for agreement on a pan-European rescue package.

In a speech to the European parliament in Brussels, the European commission president suggested that the single market was in danger of breaking up as wealthier member states spent their way out of the current crisis.