I. Introduction In the Editorial of the December 2008 issue of EStAL1 the general conclusion was reached that the European Commission “has done a reasonable and good job so far” in its response to the recent financial crisis, as exemplified in particular by the approach it took in its October 13, 2008 Communication on the application of State aid rules to measures taken in relation to financial institutions2 (hereinafter, the “Financial Institutions E