Brussels, 04/05/2000 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has authorised the Swedish regional development aid system. On 22 October 1999, the Swedish authorities had notified the Commission of their aid system to regional development for the period 2000-2004. The system provides for a complete aid programme intended to support the development of economic activity in the assisted regions, which will allow the Swedish government to support not only general productive investment but also the advisory services for SMEs, research and development projects and training actions. According to the Swedish authorities, annual spending under this system could rise to around EUR 42 million in years to come. Aid will be made available in regions with low population density and other assisted regions to the north of Sweden. All regions eligible to benefit from this regime may also claim aid paid by the Community Structural Funds. Examination of the Swedish system by the Commission comes within the general overview of regional aid systems in all Member States.