State Aid Action Plan. Less and better targeted state aid: a roadmap for state aid reform 2005 – 2009 (Consultation document)

The guiding principles for a comprehensive reform of state aid rules and procedures over the next five years have been outlined in a State Aid Action Plan adopted by the European Commission on 7 June 2005. In particular, the Commission intends to use the EC Treaty's state aid rules to encourage Member States to contribute to the Lisbon Strategy by focussing aid on improving the competitiveness of EU industry and creating sustainable jobs (more aid for R & D, innovation and risk capital for small firms), on ensuring social and regional cohesion and improving public services. The Commission also aims to rationalise and streamline procedures, so that the rules are clearer and less aid has to be notified, and to accelerate decision-making. Interested parties are invited to submit comments on the Action Plan until 15 September 2005, after which detailed reform proposals will be presented.