Brussels, 06/03/2000 (Agence Europe) - As was briefly mentioned last week the European Commission approved the regional planning grant map for 2000-2006, presented by France. The map known as the "carte de la Prime a l'Amenagement des Territoires" covers 34% of the French population through all the regions of metropolitan France except the Ile-de-France. In the same decision the Commission approved the eligibility of the overseas territories to State regional aid.
The maximum aid intensity for grants to large firms is: 1) 23% of investment costs (or 17% in those areas already restricted to 17% in 1999); 2) 27% for SMEs; 3) 11.5% in the Doubs and Haut-Rhin; 4) 21.5% for SMEs in the Doubs and Haut-Rhin. The French map was drawn combining the national criteria with the European criteria for Objective 2 (conversion) of the Structural Funds. This map replaces a first proposal presented in June 1999 and to which the Commission had expressed reservations about certain aspects. The Commission's decision allows derogations to the general principals of competition policy with regard to State aid.