Renew Europe MEP Michał Kobosko has raised concerns over the planned acquisition of Czech Airlines and its subsidiary Smartwings by Turkish carrier Pegasus, warning that the deal could create a dangerous precedent for non-EU entities to take over EU airlines without being subject to the bloc's environmental, social and financial regulations. In a parliamentary question submitted on 8 April 2026, Kobosko also flagged the risk of lasting competition distortion in the EU aviation market and called for an in-depth investigation into the impact of foreign subsidies.
Question targets regulatory loopholes and competition risks
The written question, submitted under Rule 144, asks the European Commission three specific points: when it intends to examine whether the transaction sets a legal precedent enabling non-EU carriers to bypass EU rules; how it assesses the risk of market distortion from Pegasus operating outside the EU regulatory and cost regime; and when it will conduct an in-depth probe under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation. The deal, signed in December 2025, would give Pegasus sole control of Smartwings, a Czech-based airline group.
Policy direction and expected follow-up
Kobosko's question signals a push for stricter scrutiny of foreign acquisitions in the EU aviation sector, particularly regarding compliance with environmental, social and financial standards. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will indicate whether it plans to open a formal investigation or rely on existing competition and subsidy rules. The outcome could affect future M&A activity involving non-EU carriers and set a precedent for regulatory enforcement in the single market.