Commission plans ‘more flexible’ state-aid rules
The European Commission has launched a public consultation on a draft proposal to update a rule that exempts some forms of state aid from EU scrutiny.
The main changes include measures aimed at facilitating help for housing, small businesses, and renewable energy.
The General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) declares specific categories of state aid compatible with the EU’s internal market if they fulfil certain conditions and exempts them from the requirement of prior notification to, and approval by, the commission.
‘Administrative burden’
The EU body says that the new GBER will reduce the administrative burden, be easier to interpret and apply, allow greater flexibility in the design of aid measures.
The commission says that it will propose a new regulation before the current one expires at the end of 2026.
The consultation allows member states and other interested parties to comment on the draft by 23 April.
“This rulebook will make it easier and faster for member states to boost the competitiveness of our industries – including SMEs – without having to wait for state-aid approval,” said commissioner Teresa Ribera.
Measures on housing and renewable energy
The main changes proposed by the commission include:
- New “straightforward” conditions for small amounts of aid for specific projects or activities, such as research and development (R&D) or environmental protection,
- Measures to help SMEs, such as more flexible risk-finance instruments, or aid in the form of favourable tax treatment of share options and warrants for employees,
- Granting operating aid for renewable energy will become simpler and possible on a larger scale,
- Updated provisions to help addressing the housing crisis, by allowing higher aid intensities for energy-efficiency measures in social or affordable housing projects and for social enterprises providing housing,
- Updated rules to stimulate R&D and innovation,
- Stronger incentives to upskill and reskill workers to boost competitiveness,
- Agricultural production, fisheries, and aquaculture will become eligible for most aid categories, and
- “Clearer and more flexible rules” on aid for airports.