Brussels, 21/12/2006 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission has approved regional aid maps for Austria, Finland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom for the period 2007-2013. These decisions are part of a broader exercise to review regional aid systems in all Member States in accordance with the new Regional Aid Guidelines adopted in December 2005 (EUROPE 9095). The guidelines aim to refocus regional aid in the most deprived regions of the enlarged EU (soon to have 27 members), while allowing improved competitiveness and smooth transition. The latest approvals bring to seven the number of Member States whose map has not yet been approved. DG Competition spokesman said Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France and Portugal have sent their maps but these have not yet been examined by the Commission services. Italy and the Netherlands have not yet submitted their map. If they do not do so by the end of this month (end 2006), this may prevent the legal allocation of regional aid in 2007, the spokeswoman said. Romania and Bulgaria have “pre-notified” the Commission but a formal submission is not required until after accession next year. (cd)