State aid: Germany, UK, Italy
Authorization for State aid (cases where the Commission raises no objections) is published with regard to the following RTD-related projects: - Germany: "Foerderung der Forschungskooperation in der mittelstaendischen Wirtschaft". RTD aid scheme to foster collaboration on a national and transnational level for RTD activities by relatively small companies of not more than 500 employees. Aid intensity is to 25% (35% in the new Laender) to a maximum of DM 300,000 (400,000 in the new Laender) per company for national collaboration and DM 500,000 (600,000 in the new Laender) for international cooperation. The scheme also offers grants for the transfer of research personnel between industry and public research institutions. - Germany: "Work and Technology. A scheme to finance fundamental research and basic industrial research aimed at the protection of health (adaptation of work and technology to the individual). Total budget of ECU 163 million during 1993-1996. - United Kingdom: Development of renewable energy in England and Wales, financed by a levy (the "Fossil Fuel Levy") charged on electricity bills. The levy is to be continued until at least the year 2015 and at its peak is expected to bring in some ECU 180 million per year. The twelve Regional Electricity Companies are obliged to contract for specified quantities of electricity provided from renewable sources; the difference in production costs between these sources and fossil-generated electricity being made up through a subsidy from the levy. Support for nuclear power through this levy, which has continued since its introduction in 1990, is due to end in 1998. - Italy: Aid for energy saving on the part of Cortenuova Spa. (steel manufacturer) having a positive effect on the environment. Aid of ECU 351,000 towards investments totalling ECU 1,952 million.
Countries
Germany, Italy, United Kingdom