Press Release: State aid: the Commission authorises the creation of urban tax-free zones in Italy

The European Commission authorised, under EC Treaty state aid rules, the creation of urban tax-free zones in certain parts of Italy. The aim of the measure is to encourage the regeneration of particularly deprived areas. In the 22 areas classed as urban tax-free zones, small and micro-enterprises starting up new business activity will be eligible for a range of tax exemptions. The Commission concluded that the planned measures will not affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest and that the impact on trade will be very limited.