European State Aid Law 1 - Overview and Basics

European state aid law has become increasingly important for local authorities in recent years.

At the heart of state aid law is the prohibition on granting benefits from public funds that favour certain companies or branches of production and could thereby distort competition and affect trade between member states. In view of this wide range of requirements, countless constellations are conceivable for local authorities and municipal companies in which benefits from public funds may be relevant under state aid law.

However, this increase in importance has often not yet been recognised in the day-to-day work of local authorities because local authority decision-makers have not yet been aware of the issues that arise. But there is a danger lurking here, because although questions of state aid law can usually be clarified before the municipalities grant aid, they are often difficult to resolve afterwards. This is where the seminar comes in. It provides basic knowledge and creates awareness of the problem.