15/05/2018 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 15 May, the European Commission approved the extension of a British measure to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) consisting of a tax reduction on employee share options. This means that if employees exercise their share options, they will benefit from a reduction in tax, for instance on their income. Employers may also benefit from tax rebates. The aim is to allow SMEs to recruit and keep their employees. The measure was previously approved by the institution in 2009. The Commission considered that the extension of the measure was necessary to ensure allowing businesses to attract and retain qualified employees, but without bringing about any significant competition distortion in the EU. It therefore considered that it was compatible with EU state aid rules. (LT)