EC Invites Comments On Proposal Of Aid Measures Promoting The Green Transition

The European Commission is inviting Member States and all other interested parties to comment on certain proposed amendments to the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). The purpose of the proposed revision is to reflect the changes to various sets of State aid Guidelines, which are currently being reviewed and to further facilitate public support for the EU’s green and digital transition.

The new rules will help set the right foundations for a sustainable economy in a time of recovery from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Member States and other interested parties can respond to the consultation until 8 December 2021.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, stated, “Our proposal aims at broadening the possibilities for Member States to implement aid measures supporting the green and digital transition without prior notification and approval by the Commission. This will make it easier and faster for Member States to provide such funding, without causing undue distortions of competition in the Single Market. We encourage all public authorities, companies and other interested parties to participate in this important consultation.”

The GBER declares specific categories of State aid compatible with the Treaty, provided that they fulfill certain conditions, and exempts these categories from the requirement of prior notification to and approval by the Commission.

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