ESA adopts new guidelines for regional aid

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today adopted new regional aid guidelines for the period 2022 to 2027. These guidelines are equivalent to the guidelines adopted by the European Commission.

The regional aid guidelines set out rules under which the EEA EFTA States can provide state aid to support the economic development of disadvantaged areas.

"The new regional aid guidelines have been simplified based on experience. The guidelines can now better contribute to the green and digital transitions, while at the same time ensuring a level playing-field across the EEA," said ESA President Bente-Angell Hansen.

The revised guidelines include a number of new features:

• Adjustments, including increased aid intensities, will allow for the support of environmental and digital objectives.
• Regional aid maps for the 2022-2027 period will be subject to a mid-term review in 2023, allowing for updates to reflect economic developments.
• The structure of the guidelines has been simplified. Definitions and terminology have been clarified, making the guidelines more accessible.

ESA will apply the principles set out in the new regional aid guidelines to assess the compatibility of notifiable regional aid to be awarded after 31 December 2021.

Read the revised Guidelines on Regional Aid here.