Brussels, 03/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On 3 July, the European Commission authorised a Swedish scheme to subsidise combined work-and-training contracts for young workers aged 15 to 24 (Vocational Introduction Employment). The envisaged state aid would consist of a wage subsidy in the form of a tax credit for the employer, combined with a direct grant towards the cost of training. The measure is initially notified for a period of three years (2014-2016). It will only apply to employers bound by collective agreements with the trade unions. The Commission says that the measure pursues an objective of common EU interest, namely the fight against youth unemployment, and the aid amount involved will not lead to any undue distortion of competition. (FG/transl.fl)