Brussels, 28/01/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 28 January, the European Commission opened a public consultation exercise that will run until 28 February on a draft communication on how member states can support the execution of Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEIs). The draft communication is part of the state aid modernisation agenda, which aims to modernise state aid control in order to foster smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The draft communication provides guidance to member states on how state aid for transnational projects that are of strategic dimension for the EU and for the realisation of the objectives of EUROPE 2020, the EU's growth strategy, potentially making make an important contribution to boosting economic growth, job creation and competitiveness. IPCEIs can range from cross-border transport projects to energy infrastructure projects, to research infrastructure or pan-European investments linked to the development of key enabling technologies. They make it possible to bring together knowledge, expertise, financial resources and economic players throughout Europe, so as to overcome very important market or systemic failures and address societal challenges. They should bring together the public and private sectors to undertake large-scale, highly innovative projects that could bring important benefits to the EU and its citizens. The draft communication introduces more flexibility with respect to the form of public support by member states (repayable advance, loans, guarantees, grants), as well as the possibility to cover up to 100% of the funding gap on the basis of a large set of eligible costs. In order to reduce red tape and to facilitate the assessment of the financing of IPCEIs by the member states, the draft communication introduces the possibility to submit a joint notification to the Commission by the participating member states. The communication will update, consolidate and replace the rules on IPCEIs in the R&D and Innovation Framework and the Environmental Guidelines. (FG/transl.fl)