Brussels, 19 October 2022
The European Commission has adopted a revised Communication on State aid rules for research, development and innovation (‘2022 RDI Framework’), which sets out the rules under which Member States can grant State aid to companies for RDI activities, while ensuring a level playing field. The 2022 RDI Framework, which contributes to the EU’s strategic objectives relating to the green and digital transitions, has entered into force today.
The revised RDI Framework includes a number of targeted adjustments (i) to simplify and reflect the experience gained from the application of the 2014 RDI Framework, (ii) to reflect regulatory, economic and technological developments, and (iii) to align the relevant rules to the current EU policy priorities, such as the European Green Deal and the Industrial and Digital Strategies.
In particular, the targeted amendments: (i) update the existing definitions of research and innovation activities; (ii) enable public support for testing and experimentation infrastructures; and (iii) simplify certain rules in order to facilitate the practical application of the RDI Framework. At the same time, the 2022 RDI Framework maintains safeguards to ensure that aid is limited to what is necessary and does not lead to undue distortions of competition.
Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said:
“The revised State aid framework adopted today will make it easier for Member States to support research, development and innovation, including by small and medium-sized companies, while ensuring that possible competition distortions are kept to the minimum. The targeted changes introduced to our rules will support Europe’s green and digital transitions by facilitating public-private investment in breakthrough innovation and research, as well as testing and experimentation infrastructures.”
A press release is available online.
Source – EU Commission