What are ex-ante rules in the field of state aid?
State aid policy is based on the EC Treaty (notably Articles 87 and 88). The Commission can authorise state aid on the basis of notifications from Member States. In recent years, the Commission has also developed a series of ex-ante rules (guidelines, frameworks, block exemptions) to clarify its practice. Aid granted in conformity with the conditions set out in these rules is automatically considered to be compatible with the EC Treaty rules. The Commission has adopted a number of “block exemption” regulations, which authorise state aid without requiring formal notification, in the following areas: • small and medium-sized enterprises, including R&D aid for SMEs, • aid for training • aid for employment • services of general economic interest for limited amounts of aid. The Commission has also adopted a number of “guidelines” or “frameworks” in the following areas: • regional aid • Research & Development • protection of the environment • risk capital • rescue and restructuring of firms
State aid policy is based on the EC Treaty (notably Articles 87 and 88). The Commission can authorise state aid on the basis of notifications from Member States. However, in recent years, the Commission has also developed a series of ex-ante rules (guidelines, frameworks, block exemptions) to clarify its practice. Aid granted in conformity with all the conditions set out in these rules is automatically considered compatible with the EC Treaty rules. The Commission has adopted a number of “guidelines” or “frameworks” in the following areas: • Regional aid • Research & Development • protection of the environment • risk capital • Rescue and restructuring of firms in difficulty. The Commission has also adopted a number of “block exemption” regulations, which authorise state aid without requiring formal notification in the following areas: • small and medium-sized enterprises • aid for training • aid for employment. The consultation on state aid for innovation foresees to include additional
