EU: 2018 State Aid Scoreboard published

The 2018 State Aid Scoreboard, published Thursday, January 24, by the European Commission, shows the positive role of State aid policy in steering public support towards objectives of common European interest and confirms the benefits of the State Aid Modernisation package.

Over 96% of new implemented aid measures fell under the General Block Exemption Regulation and could be quickly implemented by Member States to the benefit of citizens, businesses, and regions, avoiding bureaucracy, red tape and delays.

Margrethe Vestager, Commissioner in charge of competition policy, said, “The latest State Aid Scoreboard confirms that the modernisation of State aid rules continues to result in less red tape and faster allocation of resources. This allows the Commission to focus its attention on measures that are more likely to distort competition. Furthermore, the Scoreboard confirms that the modernisation of State aid rules encourages Member States to focus their support on projects that benefit Europe’s competitiveness and foster important EU objectives”

The annual State Aid Scoreboard is based on expenditure reports provided by Member States and covers all existing aid measures to industries, services, agriculture, and fisheries. It also includes aid granted to financial institutions in the context of the financial and economic crisis. Aid to railways and services of general economic interest is not covered by the Scoreboard.

Full Content: Europa & Europa Press

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