Brussels, 16/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - As part of its state aid modernisation initiative (SAM) launched on 8 May 2012 (see EUROPE 10611), the European Commission opened a public concertation exercise on Monday 16 July on application of the risk capital guidelines, and on Friday, it did the same for state aid investigations in general.
Use of the risk capital state aid rules. The risk capital guidelines outline the criteria for assessing the compatibility of public support measures in this field. The review starts with a public consultation, seeking stakeholders' views on the functioning of the guidelines since their adoption in 2006 and in particular on market developments concerning the supply of equity and debt finance to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The Commission will examine how the guidelines can support the SAM project, designed to foster growth - in particular by facilitating well-designed aid targeted at genuine market failures - and to speed up, simplify and refocus state aid control. In particular, the guidelines will be reviewed with a view to best channelling public resources towards access to appropriate finance for innovative and growth-oriented SMEs. In light of the submissions received and its own experience in applying the guidelines, the Commission will propose revised draft guidelines in 2013, with a view to contributing to the objectives of the EUROPE 2020 strategy for a smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. Submissions can be made until 5 October 2012.
Reform of state aid procedures. The Commission is inviting comments on the application of procedural rules in state aid investigations. The Commission proposes to clarify and simplify the current regime, laid down in a Council Regulation, in particular with regard to the handling of complaints and the collection of market information. Changes to the state detailed rules in Regulation 65/1999/EC on state aid investigations is part of the Commission's State aid modernisation package (SAM) adopted on 8 May 2012. The consultation launched on Friday 13 July seeks the views of interested parties on these two issues. Observations must be sent in before 5 October 2012, in the light of which the Commission will publish a draft regulation before the end of the year, which will then be submitted to the European Parliament and the EU Council of Ministers for approval. (OL/transl.fl)