09/07/2020 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 9 July the European Commission approved the extension to research vessels of a scheme supporting the maritime transport sector in Denmark. Under the existing scheme, seafarers employed on board eligible vessels registered in a Member State of the European Economic Area may benefit from a partial deduction of income tax. Under the amended scheme, seafarers working on board research vessels will benefit from the same tax deduction as other seafarers. Research vessels carry out maritime activities subject to the same legal requirements and competitive conditions as maritime transport, according to the Commission. The amended scheme, which will expire on 31 December 2021, is therefore in line with the state aid rules as it will contribute to the competitiveness of the EU maritime transport sector. (LC)