Brussels, 08/10/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 8 October, the European Commission authorised financial support of €63.6 million granted by France to the DEFI Composite research and development (R&D) programme. This is being implemented by a consortium of 46 partners led by the aircraft manufacturer Airbus France. The objective of the programme is to establish an industrial technology cluster that will develop and test methods for the design and production of complex structural components made from composite materials based on carbon fibres and intended for use in the transport equipment sector. The Commission takes the view that the measure meets the conditions set out in the Community framework for state aid for research, development and innovation. In particular, the Commission considers that the DEFI Composite programme compensates for certain market failures. There are no immediate market incentives for a programme of this nature given the high risks involved and given that there is no guarantee of success. Furthermore, it is difficult to set up a partnership of this type, both between the different sectoral application fields for composite materials and within the aeronautical sector. Finally, the programme will have positive effects for the EU as a whole in terms of the dissemination of knowledge and positive benefits for the environment. Any distortions in competition arising from the aid should remain limited as the programme will focus on upstream R&D activities not linked to any directly marketable products. (O.L/transl.rh)