On Monday 17 February, the European Commission approved a German aid scheme encouraging research and development projects of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and of large firms in the aeronautic sector.
This measure follows a previously approved measure that expired at the end of 2018. The new scheme, with an average annual budget of around €200 million, will run until 2026. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State Aid rules. The Commission found that the scheme addresses the identified market failure and enhances research, development and innovation in the sector.
In addition, "safeguards" are in place to prevent the measure from unduly distorting competition or adversely affecting trade between Member States, the Commission explains. Furthermore, large projects will have to be notified to the European Commission individually and the scheme will be the subject of a detailed ex-post evaluation by independent experts to assess its effectiveness and impact on competition. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)