The European Union's Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes has expressed concerns regarding aid worth billions of euros that the German government has pledged for ailing car maker Opel.

In a letter to the German government, Mrs Kroes says there is evidence that the aid has been pledged on condition that Canadian-Austrian parts maker Magna and a partner would acquire a majority stake in Opel. Such a condition, Mrs Kroes warns, would breach EU requirements for state aid. In a reaction, the German government expresses confidence it will be able to address the commissioner's concerns.

Photo: European Union's Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes (ANP)