15/12/2008 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 11 December, the European Commission adopted a communication clarifying the granting of State aid for motorways of the sea projects. The document specifies that projects may be cofinanced by member states on condition that funds available in the two programmes dedicated to these maritime routes (Marco Polo and the trans-European transport network, RTE-T) are not sufficient for launching projects. Member states may thus give State aid to the operational costs of Marco Polo selected projects up to 35% over five years, and for State aid to start up investments in TEN-T MoS projects up to 30% for two years. In the last case, State aid should be used to start up the project. The communication completes guidelines on the granting of State aid in the maritime transport sector adopted in 2004. (A.By./transl.jl)