CMS's state aid practice, led by Michael Bauer, continues to operate at the intersection of national and EU frameworks, advising federal ministries and energy-sector clients on complex subsidy regimes and notification procedures. The practice’s involvement in drafting climate protection funding programs reflects a steady engagement with emerging regulatory instruments. Cross-border coordination remains a defining feature, particularly where Charter-based or procedural EU law questions arise; Luisa Thomasberger contributes notable technical depth in these areas, reinforcing the group’s capacity to manage issues across energy, transport, and restructuring-related state aid matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency

Key clients

  • Federal State of Lower Saxony
  • Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)
  • The Federal Republic of Germany - Finance Agency
  • Flughafen Friedrichshafen GmbH
  • SEFE Securing Energy for Europe GmbH

Work highlights

Comprehensive advice to the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) on the legal design and development of a new state funding programme to offer energy-intensive industries significant incentives to convert to more climate-friendly production processes (‘carbon contracts for difference’).
Comprehensive advice to the German Finance Agency (administrative office of the German Economic Stabilisation Fund) and the Federal Ministry of Finance regarding state aid of around EUR 6.5 billion granted to Lufthansa to stabilise the company in the context of the Covid crisis.
Intensive advice to the German federal government and the state of Lower Saxony regarding the stabilisation of the Meyer Werft, one of the largest shipbuilders in the world in the cruise ship sector. Total volume approx. EUR 400 million. In return, the federal government took over around 80 percent of the shares in Meyer Werft GmbH.
Practice head

Michael Bauer

Other key lawyers

Luisa Thomasberger