Nieuwe richtlijnen voor staatssteun aan arme regio's, uitgesplitst per EU-lidstaat voor 2007-2013 (en)
(see also IP/05/1653)
Definitions
RAG - regional aid Guidelines adopted by the European Commission under EC Treaty state aid rules to indicate to Member States which state aid they are entitled to allocate to regions without violating the EC Treaty's ban on subsidies that distort or threaten to distort competition within the common market.
Article 87(3)(a) of the EC Treaty regions: regions most in need compared to the overall EU-25 average. In particular, they are the regions with less than 75% average EU 25 GDP per capita.
Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty regions: relatively less disadvantaged regions, but still lagging behind in terms of regional development.
Statistical effect regions: for certain regions, the GDP per capita exceeds 75% of the EU average solely because of the statistical effect of enlargement. These are regions which have a GDP per capita of more than 75% of the EU-25 average, but less than 75% of the EU-15 average.
Economic development regions: regions which were eligible for aid under the derogation in Article 87(3)(a) of the EC Treaty but which no longer meet the conditions for eligibility under that Article. These are the regions which had a GDP per capita of less than 75% on an EU-15 basis when the 1998 regional aid guidelines were adopted, but which as a result of their economic development no longer meet that condition on an EU-15 basis.
Aid intensity: the maximum permitted levels of regional aid for financing investment projects.
Impact on Austria
| Austria | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Population covered |
| Statistical effect | Burgenland | 81.50 | 3.4% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 19.1% | ||
| Total population coverage | 22.5% | ||
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Austria loses coverage of 5% of its population under the RAG (18% of current coverage).
Austria has great flexibility as to how to allocate the 19.1% population coverage under Article 87(3)(c). Within this coverage Austria can tackle the problem of border regions, where the aid differential is limited to 20%.
Impact on Belgium
| Belgium | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Statistical effect | Hainault | 75.45 | 30% =>20% | 12.4% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 13.5% | |||
| Total population coverage | 25.9% | |||
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Belgium loses coverage of 5% of its population under the RAG (16% of current coverage) and has somewhat lower aid intensities (decreases of 5%, e.g. from 15% to 10%). However, the aid intensity allowed for Hainault actually increases, at least until 2010, from 20% to 30%.
Impact on Cyprus
| Cyprus | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| | Cyprus | 85.75% | | |
| Article 87(3)(c) | | | 15% / 10% | 50.0% |
| Total population coverage | | | | 50.0% |
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 16.0% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the period 2000-2006, the whole territory of Cyprus is eligible for regional aid under Article 87(3)(c), with 20% aid intensity.
Under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, Cyprus will lose coverage of 50% of its population.
Cyprus receives additional population coverage of 16% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
The aid intensity will decrease from 20% to 10 % or 15%.
Impact on Czech Republic
| Czech Republic | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | S?ední Morava Severozápad S?ední ?echy Moravskoslezsko Severovychod Jihovychod Jihozápad | 52.03 53.29 54.35 55.29 55.59 58.17 60.41 | 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 30% | |
| | | | | 88.6% |
| Total population coverage | | 88.6% | ||
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 7.7% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the period 2000-2006, the whole population of the Czech Republic is covered by national regional state aid: 88.6% of the population in Article 87(3)(a) regions and 11.6% in Article 87(3)(c) regions.
Under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, the Czech Republic loses 11.4% of its current population coverage.
The Czech Republic receives additional population coverage of 7.7% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
The aid intensities for different regions will be modified as follows:
- S?ední Morava, Severozapad, S?ední ?echy, Moravskoslezsko, Severovychod, Jihovychod regions from 50% to 40%;
- Jihozápad from 50% to 30%,
- Region of Prague (currently Article 87(3)(c) region with 20% aid intensity) to 0% (after the transitional period).
Impact on Denmark
| Denmark | Population covered |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 8.6% |
| Total population coverage | 8.6% |
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 2.7% |
Under the safety-net (i.e. no Member State loses more than 50% of its previous coverage), Denmark is eligible for a population coverage of 8.6% of its populationat intensity of 10%-15%.
Denmark receives additional population coverage of 2.7% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Denmark loses 50% of its current coverage, with a reduction in aid intensities of 5%-10% in some cases.
Impact on Germany
| Germany | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | Population covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Dessau Chemnitz Brandenburg-Nordost Magdeburg Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Thüringen Dresden | 65.99 69.63 70.64 72.27 72.56 73.10 74.95 | 30% | |
| | | | | 12.5% |
| Statistical effect | Halle Leipzig Brandenburg-Südwest Lüneburg | 75.07 77.12 77.45 81.80 | 30% => 20% | |
| | | | | 6.1% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 10%/15% | 11.0% | ||
| Total population coverage | | 29.6% | ||
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Germany loses coverage of 5% of its territory under the RAG (15% of current coverage).
The whole of East Germany (except Berlin) remains an assisted area, either as Article 87(3)(a) or as a `statistical effect' area. Berlin will be surrounded by theses areas with high aid intensity, but may be proposed by Germany as an Article 87(3)(c) region.
Because of a decline in its relative wealth, the whole region of Lüneburg now qualifies for regional aid, with an initial aid intensity of 30% in 2007.
Germany receives 11 % population coverage under Article 87(3)(c) with great flexibility as to how to allocate this. Within this coverage Germany can tackle the problem of border regions, where the aid differential is limited to 20%.
Impact on Spain
| Spain | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop. covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Extremadura Andalucia Galicia Castilla-La Mancha Canarias | 59.89 69.29 73.36 74.75 87.79 | 40% 30% 30% 30% 40% | |
| | | | | 36.2% |
| Statistical effect | Asturias Murcia Ceuta Melilla | 79.33 79.37 79.64 79.72 | 30%=>20% | |
| | | | | 5.8% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 15%-10% | 17.7% | ||
| Total population coverage | | 59.6% | ||
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 12.4% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the period 2000-2006, 79.2% of the population of Spain lived in assisted areas: 58.4% in Article 87(3)(a) regions and 20.8 % in Article 87(3)(c) regions. The aid intensities varied in the range from 30% to 50% for the Article 87(3)(a) regions and in the range from 10% to 20% for the 87(3)(c) areas.
Under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, Spain loses 4.8% of its coverage. The total coverage for the period 2007-2013 is established at 59.6%: of which 36.2% under Article 87(3)(a), 5.8% under statistical effect regions and 17.7% under the derogation of Article 87(3)(c).
Spain receives additional population coverage of 12.4% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
The regional aid ceilings will change:
for Article 87(3)(a) regions from 40%-50% to 30%-40%,
for Article 87(3)(c) regions from 20% to 15% or 10% and
for the outermost region of Canarias from 50% to 40% .
Impact on Estonia
| Estonia | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Estonia | 44.94 | 50% | 100% |
| Total population coverage | | | | 100% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Estonia will continue to have 100% regional aid coverage under Article 87(3)(a).
Estonia will also continue to receive the highest aid intensity of 50%.
Impact on Finland
| Finland | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Economic development and low population density 87(3)(c) | | | 15% or 10% | 13.0% 10.7% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 15% or 10% | 9.3% | ||
| Total population coverage | | 33% | ||
Economic development regions receive transitional phasing out support.
In addition to the regions formerly eligible under Article 87(3)(a) and the low population density regions, Finland receives 9.3% population coverage under Article 87(3)(c) with great flexibility as to how to allocate this.
For low population density regions max. aid intensity for large companies declines from 30% to 15%, however, additional flexibility is given in designating these regions.
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Finland loses coverage of 9% of the population coverage under the RAG and has somewhat lower aid intensities for the economic development regions (due to the growth of GDP/cap above the Community average, Finland's Article 87(3)(a) regions would even in an EU-15 scenario no longer qualify as (a) regions).
A new form of operating aid will be permitted to combat depopulation in the least population density regions of Finland - "Arctic regions" (< 8 inhabitants/km²). Max. aid intensity envisaged for large companies in these areas is 15%.
Finland will continue to have low population density areas (thus regional transport aid can continue in these areas as before).
Impact on Greece
| Greece | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Population covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Dytiki Ellada Anatoliki Makedonia, Thraki Ipeiros Thessalia Ionia Nisia Kriti Peloponnisos Voreio Aigaio | 56.30 57.40 59.30 62.90 65.53 72.27 73.71 74.29 | |
| | | | 36.6% |
| Statistical effect | Kentriki Makedonia Dytiki Makedonia Attiki | 75.89 76.77 78.98 | |
| | | | 55.5% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 7.9% | ||
| Total population coverage | 100.0% | ||
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Under the new regional aid Guidelines, Greece will continue to be eligible for regional aid in its entirety. However, some regions have become wealthier (economic development regions) and will have lower aid intensities:
- decrease from 40%-50% to 10% or 15%
but will benefit form transitional phasing in provisions.
The statistical effect regions (which represent 55.5% of Greece's population), will have lower aid intensities, down from 50%/40% to 30%, but will retain their status to grant operating aid under Article 87(3)(a) until 1.1.2011. The relative wealth of these regions will be reviewed in 2010, and a lower aid rate of 20% may apply thereafter.
Impact on France
| France | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Outermost regions: Guyane Réunion Guadeloupe Martinique | 56.76 60.63 67.32 74.88 | 60% 50% 50% 50% | |
| | | | | 2.9% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | | 15.5% | ||
| Total population coverage | | 18.4% | ||
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 6.9% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
France has no statistical effect regions, nor economic development regions.
France receives 15.5% population coverage under Article 87(3)(c) with great flexibility as to how to allocate this, including to target regional aid on deprived areas (undergoing industrial transformation or with the risk of closure of enterprises).
France loses coverage of 18% of its territory under the RAG (50% of current coverage) and has somewhat lower aid intensities for outermost regions.
France receives additional population coverage of 6.9% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
Impact on Luxembourg
| Luxembourg | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 10% | 16.0% | ||
| Total population coverage | | 16.0% | ||
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 5.1% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the period 2000-2006, 32% of the Luxembourg population lived in Article 87(3)(c) regions. The regional aid ceiling is 10%.
Under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, Luxembourg loses 50% of its current coverage. Which means that 16% of the Luxembourg population remains covered by the derogation under Article 87(3)(c).
Luxembourg receives additional population coverage of 5.1% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
The regional aid ceiling remains unchanged at 10%.
Impact on Hungary
| Hungary | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop. covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Észak-Magyarország Észak-Alföld Dél-Alföld Dél-Dunántúl Közép-Dunántúl Nyugat-Dunántúl | 36.10 36.31 39.44 41.36 52.28 60.37 | 50% 50% 50% 50% 40% 30% | |
| | | | | 72.2% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | | | | 27.8% |
| Total population coverage | | 100% | ||
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Közép-Dunántúl region passes from 50% aid intensity to 40% and Nyugat-Dunántúl from 45% to 30%.
Közép-Magyarország (with Budapest and Pest county) becomes an economic development region.
As it neighbours regions with an aid intensity of 50 %, NUTS III-level Pest county (currently 40 %) could benefit from the "no more than 20% differential" rule and thus have an aid ceiling of 30%.
Aid intensity in Budapest drops from 35 % to 10 % in two stages (a decrease of 10% from 1.1.2007 and the balance from 1.1.2011).
Impact on Malta
| Malta | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Malta | 74.75 | 30% | 100% |
| Total population coverage | | | | 100 % |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Malta remains an Article 87(3)(a) region.
In line with the overall reduction in regional aid, the aid intensity declines from 40% to 30%.
Impact on Ireland
| Ireland | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop. covered |
| Economic development Article 87(3)(c) | Border, Midlands & Western Southern & Eastern | 96.10 141.56 | 15% or 10% | 26.5% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | | | 15% or 10% | 23.5% |
| Total population coverage | | | | 50.0% |
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 25.0% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the period 2000-2006, the whole population of Ireland is living in assisted regions: 26.5% of the population lives in Article 87(3)(a) regions and 73.5% in Article 87(3)(c) regions. The regional aid ceilings are: 40% for Article 87(3)(a) areas, 20% and 18% for Article 87(3)(c) areas and 17.5% for the Article 87(3)(c) area Dublin.
Under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, Ireland loses 50% of its current coverage. The old Article 87(3)(a) areas are now recognised as economic development area since their GDP increased well over 75% of the EU25 average (threshold to establish Article 87(3)(a) status).
Ireland receives additional population coverage of 25% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
The aid intensities for the different types of regions will be modified as follows:
- For the economic development region from 40% to 30% on 1.1.2007 and then to 15% on 1.1.2011.
- For Article 87(3)(c) regions from 20%, 18% or 17.5% to 15% or 10% as from 1.1.2007.
Impact on The Netherlands
| The Netherlands | Population covered |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 7.5% |
| Total population coverage | 7.5% |
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 2.4% |
Under the safety net (guaranteeing that no Member State loses more than 50% of its previous coverage), 7.5% Netherlands' population will be living in assisted areas with an aid intensity of 10%-15%.
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
The Netherlands loses 50% of its current coverage, with a possible reduction in aid intensities of 5%-10% in some cases.
Netherlands receives additional population coverage of 2.4% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
Impact on Italy
| Italy | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Calabria Campania Sicilia Puglia | 67.93 71.78 71.98 72.49 | 30% 30% 30% 30% | |
| | | | | 29.2% |
| Statistical effect | Basilicata | 77.54 | 30%=>20% | 1.0% |
| Economic development | Sardegna | | 15% or 10% | 2.9% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 15% or 10% | 1.0% | ||
| Total population coverage | | 34.1% | ||
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 5.6% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the period 2000-2006, 43.6% of the whole population of Italy is covered by national regional state aid: 33.6% of the population falls under the derogation of Article 87(3)(a) and 10% under the derogation of Article 87(3)(c).
Under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, Italy loses 10% of its current coverage; nonetheless most of the Southern regions are and will continue to be eligible as Article 87(3)(a) areas.
Italy receives additional population coverage of 5.6% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
Substantial reductions in aid intensities will be necessary for Calabria and Sardinia, but these are offset by transitional rules leading to;
- for Sardinia, losing Article 87(3)(a) status and provided that the region is proposed by Italy as eligible for regional aid under Article 87(3)(c), the reduction of aid intensity may take place in two stages: a reduction of at least 10% net to gross shall be applied on 01.01.2007, a further reduction to 15% on 01.01.2011.
- for Calabria, being confronted with a reduction of 20%, the same may be implemented in two stages, by a reduction of a minimum of 10 percentage points on 1.1.2007 and the balance on 01.01.2011.
Impact on Latvia
| Latvia | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Latvia | 37.28 | 50% | 100% |
| Total population coverage | | | | 100% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Latvia will continue to have 100% regional aid coverage under Article 87(3)(a).
Latvia will also continue to receive the highest aid intensity of 50%.
Impact on Lithuania
| Lithuania | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Lithuania | 40.57 | 50% | 100% |
| Total population coverage | | | | 100% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Lithuania will continue to have 100% regional aid coverage under Article 87(3)(a).
Lithuania will also continue to receive the highest aid intensity of 50%.
Impact on Slovenia
| SLOVENIA | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop. covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Slovenia | 74.40 | 30% | |
| Total population coverage | | 100 % | ||
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Slovenia continues to have a 100% regional aid population coverage and remains an area covered by a derogation of Article 87(3)(a).
The aid intensity for entire territory is decreased from 40% (except for the Central Slovenia region where aid intensity is decreased from 35%) to 30%.
Impact on Poland
| Poland | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Lubelskie Podkarpackie Warmi?sko-Mazurskie Podlaskie ?więtokrzyskie Opolskie Ma?opolskie Lubuskie ?ódzkie Kujawsko-Pomorskie Pomorskie Zachodniopomorskie Dolno?l?skie Wielkopolskie ?l?skie Mazowieckie | 32.23 32.80 34.70 35.05 35.82 38.28 39.81 41.09 41.45 41.80 45.75 46.29 47.52 48.18 50.62 68.77 | 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 50% 40% 40% 40% 40% 40% 30% | |
| Total population coverage | | 100 % | ||
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the new Regional Aid Guidelines, Poland continues to have a 100% regional aid population coverage and remains an area covered by a derogation of Article 87 (3) (a).
Aid intensity decrease for the following regions:
- Pomorskie, Zachodniopomorskie, Dolno?l?skie, Wielkopolskie and ?l?skie from 50% to 40%,
- for Mazowieckie from 50% to 30%.
Previously, lower aid intensities affected only certain cities and not entire regions: the cities of Warsaw and Pozna? were eligible for 30% aid intensity and 40% aid intensity was available for the cities of Cracow, Wroc?aw, Gda?sk-Gdynia-Sopot.
Impact on Portugal
| Portugal | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop. covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Norte Centro (PT) Alentejo Açores Madeira | 61.94 63.08 65.72 61.61 87.84 | 30% 30% 30% 50% 50% | |
| | | | | 70.1% |
| Statistical effect | Algarve | 80.05 | 30%=>20% | 3.8% |
| | | | ||
| Article 87(3)(c) | 15%-10% | 2.8% | ||
| Total population coverage | | 76.7% | ||
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 19.2% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the period 2000-2006, 100% of the population lived in assisted areas: 66.6% in Article 87(3)(a) regions and 33.4 % in Article 87(3)(c) regions. The aid intensities varied in the range from 40% to 50% for the Article 87(3)(a) regions and in the range from 10% to 20% for the Article 87(3)(c) areas.
Under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, Portugal loses 23.3% of its coverage. The total coverage for the period 2007-2013 is established at 76.7%: of which 70.1% under Article 87(3)(a), 3.8% under statistical effect regions and 2.8% under Article 87(3)(c).
Portugal receives additional population coverage of 19.2% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
The regional aid ceilings will change:
- for Article 87(3)(a) regions change from 40%-50% to 30%,
- for Article 87(3)(c) regions 10%-20% to 15% - 10% and
- for Madeira and Acores (outermost regions) from 62% to 50%.
Impact on Sweden
| Sweden | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop covered |
| Economic development or low population density 87(3)(c) | | | 15% | 13.0% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 15% or 10% | 2.3% | ||
| Total population coverage | | 15.3% | ||
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
Sweden loses coverage of 1% of the population coverage under the RAG (3% of current coverage) and has somewhat lower aid intensities for the economic development regions.
A new form of operating aid will be permitted to combat depopulation in the least population density regions of Sweden - "Arctic regions" (< 8 inhabitants/km²). Max. aid intensity envisaged for large companies in these areas is 15%.
Sweden will continue to have low population density areas (thus regional transport aid can continue in these areas as before). For low population density regions aid intensities are reduced from current 30% to 15%.
Impact on Slovakia
| Slovakia | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop. covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Vychodné Slovensko Stredné Slovensko Západné Slovensko | 37.21 40.72 45.42 | 50% 50% 40% | |
| | | | | 88.9% |
| Total population coverage | | 88.9% | ||
| Transitional additional coverage 2007-2008 under Article 87(3)(c) | 7.5% |
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the period 2000-2006, the whole population of Slovak Republic was living in assisted regions: 88, 6% of the population in Article 87(3) (a) regions and 11.4% in Article 87(3) (c) regions.
Under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, the Slovak Republic loses 11.1% of its current population coverage.
Slovakia receives additional population coverage of 7.5% under Article 87(3)(c) for a two-year transitional period (2007-2008) at an aid intensity of 10%.
The aid intensities for different regions will be modified as follows:
- Západné Slovensko region from 50% aid intensity to 40%;
- Bratislavky Kraj [current. Article 87(3) (c) region] from 20% to 0% (non assisted region).
Impact on the United Kingdom
| United Kingdom | Regions | % of EU-25 per capita GDP | Aid intensity | % Pop. covered |
| Article 87(3)(a) | Cornwall & Isles of Scilly West Wales and the Valleys | 70.16 73.98 | 30% 30% | |
| | | | | 4.0% |
| Statistical effect | Highlands and Islands | 77.71 | 30%=>20% | 0.6% |
| Economic development 87(3)(c) | Merseyside South Yorkshire Northern Ireland | 83.62 86.98 91.35 | 15% or 10% 30%=>15% | 6.8% |
| Article 87(3)(c) | 15% or 10% | 12.5% | ||
| Total population coverage | | 23.9% | ||
Changes from the current situation 2000-2006
In the period 2000-2006, 28.7% of the UK population lived in assisted areas: 8.6% in Article 87(3)(a) regions and 20.1% in Article 87(3)(c) regions. The aid intensities varied from 40% for Northern Ireland, 35% for the Article 87(3)(a) regions, 30% for the low population density areas of the Highlands and Islands and 20%, 15% and 10% for the Article 87(3)(c) areas.
Under the new Regional Aid Guidelines, the UK loses 4.8% of its coverage. The total coverage for the period 2007-2013 is established at 23.9%: of which 4% under the derogation of Article 87(3)(a) and 19.9% under the derogation of Article 87(3)(c).
The regional aid ceilings will change: