41As LG and Others note in their observations, the fact that certain activities have a public purpose does not, in itself, constitute sufficient evidence to classify them as being carried out iure imperii, in so far as they do not entail the exercise of any powers falling outside the scope of the ordinary legal rules applicable to relationships between private individuals (see, to that effect, judgment of 21 April 1993, Sonntag, C‑172/91, EU:C:1993:144, paragraph 22). Although the Rina companies’ activity is intended to ensure the safety of a ship’s passengers, that does not mean that their activity stems from the exercise of public powers.
Source: EUR-Lex, © European Union, 1998-2026. Reuse authorised under Decision 2011/833/EU.