Brussels, 26/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday, the European Commission decided to extend the current state aid rules for shipbuilding by two years until 31 December 2008 (it came into force at the beginning of 2004 and is due to expire on 31 December 2006). EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes explained in a press release: “Encouraging innovation in all sectors of the European economy is vitally important The Commission wants to see a competitive and innovative shipbuilding industry in Europe - but we need more experience in applying the current rules to the sector before we can decide on what's best for the future.” The Commission explains that since 1 January 2004, only a few cases have been assessed and it has therefore decided it needs more experience with the rules before reviewing them to decide whether they actually encourage greater efficiency and competitiveness in European shipyards. The Commission has so far approved three innovation aid schemes, but they have not yet actually been implemented and it has decided to allow two more years to decide on the future of the shipbuilding rules. In addition to rules on innovation aid, the framework contains provisions on regional aid, closure aid, export credits, development aid and employment aid. (ab)