28/11/2016 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 25 November, the European Commission approved the changes made by Finland to its regional aid map for the programming period 2014-2020. This map defines the Finnish regions eligible for European investment aid and establishes the maximum level of aid (aid intensities) that can be granted. The 2014 guidelines on regional state aid allow for a mid-term review of the regional aid maps. This allows the member states to review their aid in order to take account of recent changes in the economic and social circumstances of the regions. Finland asked for six municipalities (Kannonkosi, Karstula, Kinnula, Kyyjärvi and Saarijärvi) and the sub-region of Saarijärvi-Viitasaari to be added to its map, and for Äänekoski to be removed. The amended map will be in force from 1 January 2017 until 31 December 2020. (EL)