Brussels, 03/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 3 June, the European Commission adopted two guidance papers setting out criteria for the in-depth assessment of large amounts of training aid and of aid to disadvantaged and disabled workers. According to a spokesperson, the guidance outlines the kind of information required by the Commission for its assessment and the assessment methodology “so [national authorities and companies] can design their aid measures in accordance […] and be sure of a rapid decision by the Commission”. The General Block Exemption Regulation defines the notification threshold at €2 million for training aid projects. For employment aid this threshold is set at €5 million per undertaking per year for the employment of disadvantaged workers and at €10 million per undertaking per year for the employment of disabled workers.
In the next few days, further information will be available at: http: //ec.europa.eu/comm/competition/state_aid/reform/reform.cfm). (C.D./transl.rh)