Europese Commissie wenst meer transparantie bij staatssteun (en)

The European Commission has called for more transparency on state aid as an important part of a complete overhaul of EU state aid rules and procedures over the coming five years.

State aid should also be better targeted to generate growth and sustainable jobs, said Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes i in Strasbroug on Tuesday (7 June) while presenting a consultation document on the "roadmap for state aid reform 2005 - 2009".

"There is a need to increase transparency and advocacy about state aid policy", the communication from Mrs Kroes reads.

The academic world, competition specialists, consumers and the broader public should get better involved and act against unlawful aid.

The consultation document is the first step in the process aiming at a complete overhaul of state aid rules over a five-year period (2005-2009).

The paper was ready for presentation already in March, but was postponed because the commission feared the launch could play a role in the constitution referendum campaigns.

The overhaul will touch upon very sensitive areas for member states such as regional aid, research and development, public service, broadcasting, shipbuilding and environment among others.

Sensitive areas

The line between illegal state aid and support for services of general economic interest would be specified, according to the communication from Mrs Kroes.

In general, the rules should be clearer and the Commission would need to be notified in fewer instances, according to the EU executive.

A general block exemption for certain categories of aid - from the obligation to notify to the Commission - would be part of the new rules, including support for SMEs and Research and Development.

A need to enlarge culture and heritage conservation exempting it from general state aid rules would also be considered. Also, cinema might benefit from a block exemption in the future.

The EU Treaties charge the commission with full authority to look after state aid and ensure it does not distort competition.

The commission can also declare state aid compatible with the Treaty if it has a beneficial impact in overall Union terms.

This week the Commission, for example, approved state aid for setting up a new French international news channel, because the project was considered a service of general economic interest.

Network of state aid authorities

Co-operation with member states is essential to make the state aid rules function, according to the Commission.

To this end a network of state aid authorities or contact points might be set up in order to facilitate the flow of information and exchange of best practices.

National judges could also play a greater role in controlling whether measures fall under a block exemption or under the de minimis thresholds.

The communication invites stakeholders to comment on the plans before 15 September 2005, before detailed reform proposals are presented.