Aid to shipbuilding
On 21 December 1990 the Council issued a new Directive on aid to shipbuilding (90/684/EEC), replacing Directive 87/167/EEC of 26.1.1987 which expired on 31.12.1990. A competitive shipbuilding industry is of vital interest to the Community and contributes to its economic and social development. The Directive encompasses: Aid to shipowners; contract-related production aid; other operating aid; investment aid; aid for closures; aid for research and development. The Directive shall apply from 1 January 1991 until 31 December 1993 (certain provisos shall not be applicable to Spain or Greece until 1 January 1992). Rules for monitoring aid are included in the Directive.