Communication from the Commission concerning the prolongation of the Framework on State aid to shipbuilding

(Text with EEA relevance)

(2008/C 173/03)

The Framework on State aid to shipbuilding (1) (‘the Framework’) applies until 31 December 2008.

The Commission has conducted an assessment of the results of the application of the Framework. Experience gained to date has shown that there have not been many cases of application of the Framework. Two of its provisions, namely closure aid and employment aid, have not been applied. Other provisions, such as export credits, development aid and regional aid, do not seem to have raised particular problems of application. In addition, as regards regional aid, a number of recent Commission Decisions have clarified how the relevant provisions are interpreted by the Commission (2). The Framework contains a provision on innovation aid for the shipbuilding industry which is unique.

The Commission considers it appropriate to continue to apply these sector-specific State aid rules for shipbuilding in order to gain more experience with regard to their application.

The Commission has conducted a public consultation on a proposal to prolong the application of the Framework by three years, until 31 December 2011. There was general support for that proposal.

Accordingly, the Commission has decided to continue to apply the Framework until 31 December 2011.

(1)  OJ C 317, 30.12.2003, p. 11. Communication as amended by Communication 2006/C 260/03 (OJ C 260, 28.10.2006, p. 7).

(2)  See Commission Decision 2007/402/EC (OJ L 151, 13.6.2007, p. 33); Commission Decision 2007/255/EC (OJ L 112, 30.4.2007, p. 32); Commission Decision 2007/529/EC (OJ L 195, 27.7.2007, p. 36); Commission Decision 2007/C 188/01 (OJ C 188, 11.8.2007, p. 1).