"State aid and EU funding Are they compatible?" Z. GEORGOPOULOU, Head Executive Officer, Special Service for State Aid, Ministry of Economy and Development, Greece
STATE AID AND ESIF Differences Methods Procedures Policies Rules
Different methods Different method for calculating amount of support for specific projects (e.g. funding gap vs specified aid intensity) Private contribution when state acts as SA beneficiary
Different rules (1) Different approach between incentive effect and eligibility period for ESIF support Different enforcement periods between SA & ESIF rules Different rules on region categorization (regional aid map vs developed/less developed/transitional regions) Different set of rules on financial instruments (selection vs in-house award)
Different rules (2) Public procurement rules and In-house award “Beneficiary” in terms of OPs and SA rules Different eligibilities between approved OPs and GBER ERDF legislative requirements vs SA rules (e.g. De Minimis & firms in difficulty)
Different policies Structural funds promote sector oriented approach (RIS) while State Aid rules require a non-selective approach (no sector specific) SA and ESIF policies have two completely different approaches in the field of research and development
Different procedures Numerous forms / databases (SANI, SARI, SFC, TAM) Evaluation, monitoring and audit requirements Publicity & transparency requirements OP milestones & DG COMP procedures Two channels of approval (Major projects notification vs SA notification)
Need for further guidance & clarifications Scope and method of application of simplified costs options Application / interpretation of specific terms and rules (e.g. locality) ETC projects
STATE AID AND ESIF State Aid and ESIF Harmonisation Streamlining Simplification Streamlining
Thank you