State Aid

Non-compliance with state aid rules and the financial risk for business

As the last two years have shown, governments - central, regional and local - have a key role in supporting business across all sectors as countries emerge from the financial crisis.

Where public sector support granted within the EU involves a benefit, direct or indirect, for business, it is critically important to ensure that that support complies with the EU’s state aid rules. That applies whatever the kind of support - capital injections, reduced interest charges, soft loans, subsidies, grants, guarantees, tax relief, exemption from certain obligations, funding to provide specific services, provision of goods or services at an undervalue, etc.

Failure to comply with the state aid rules might result in significant financial risk for businesses, and complex legal proceedings, as well as action against the Member State. Grants of aid, or proposals to grant aid, are often challenged by competitors.

GCR has brought together a highly experienced and talented team to guide you through what you need to know about the EU’s state aid rules - whether your role is in government, in a business seeking or receiving governmental support, or a competitor of a recipient of government support.

Our distinguished team of speakers will offer practical advice and expert comment on:

• When is State finance not aid? Definition of State aid, services of special economic interest (SGEIs), the market economy investor principle (MEIP)
• Criteria for approval of state aid and an overview of the block exemption regime
• The EU Commission’s current practice and policy - experience of the past year
• The UK's current practice and policy - the Temporary Framework - pros and cons
• Restructuring aid - should aid be granted to firms in difficulty?
• Remedies
• Closing the funding gap - State aid in public-private projects
• Focus on special sectors
• Communications and broadcasting
• State aid in Transport - what the transport sector needs to know and what other sectors can learn