Community framework for state aid for research and development
The European Commission has published a revised version of the "Community framework for state aid for research and development". This sets out the rules under which state aid may be granted for research and development activities in the Member States. The revised text seeks to take account of recent developments (e.g. the agreement on subsidies and countervailing measures under the GATT Uruguay Round) and experience gained in the past. The new Community framework is divided into the following main elements: - The role of research and development in improving growth, competitiveness and employment; - Applicability of the state aid rules to aid research and development (Article 92(1) of the EC Treaty); - Compatibility of aid for research and development (Article 92 (3) (b) and (c) of the EC Treaty); - Notification of proposed state aid for research and development (Article 93 of the EC Treaty); - Aid intensity; - Incentive effect of R&D aid. A further review of this document will take place in five years' time. The Commission may, however, decide to amend it any time, in cooperation with the Member States, should this prove necessary for reasons connected with competition policy or to take account of other Community policies and international commitments.