State Aid Law Blog

State Aid Uncovered Blog

In Lexxion’s State Aid Uncovered blog, Prof. Phedon Nicolaides publishes weekly critical analyses of recent State aid judgments and decisions. Each post presents the key points of a court judgment or EU Commission decision, places it in the context of similar case law or practice, assesses the underlying reasoning and highlights any inconsistencies or contradictions.

Guest contributions from other State aid experts will also be published on the blog at irregular intervals to complement the content of the blog posts.

State Aid Uncovered ×

20. December 2013 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides

Economically Rational Environmental Aid

water processing plant

Introduction A few months ago I wrote an article on this blog explaining the big puzzle of environmental State aid. Since the rules allow State aid which is only a proportion of the extra costs incurred by companies investing in environmentally friendly technology, it is puzzling why they make this investment. After all, they have the option of not incurring […]

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26. May 2013 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides

The Puzzle of Environmental Aid: Why Do Firms Make Environmental Investments?

windmills

Introduction Environmental aid is the second largest horizontal category of state aid, after regional aid. It accounts for about 24% of all aid to industry and services. Yet, one often hears from public officials that the current Environmental Aid Guidelines (EAG) do not provide sufficient incentives for environmental protection. The problem is that aid is calculated as a percentage not […]

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9. May 2013 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides

Taxes and Tax Reductions on Air Travel: Selectivity and Compatibility

airplanes on the runway

This posting examines an Irish and a German measure concerning reduction in passenger taxes. As to be expected, an important issue for both measures was whether the reduction was selective or not. The analysis of the Commission does not really break new ground. What is more instructive with these two cases is the range and ingenuity of the arguments advanced […]

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State Aid Uncovered ×

20. December 2013 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides

Economically Rational Environmental Aid

water processing plant

Introduction A few months ago I wrote an article on this blog explaining the big puzzle of environmental State aid. Since the rules allow State aid which is only a proportion of the extra costs incurred by companies investing in environmentally friendly technology, it is puzzling why they make this investment. After all, they have the option of not incurring […]

No Comments

26. May 2013 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides

The Puzzle of Environmental Aid: Why Do Firms Make Environmental Investments?

windmills

Introduction Environmental aid is the second largest horizontal category of state aid, after regional aid. It accounts for about 24% of all aid to industry and services. Yet, one often hears from public officials that the current Environmental Aid Guidelines (EAG) do not provide sufficient incentives for environmental protection. The problem is that aid is calculated as a percentage not […]

No Comments

9. May 2013 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides

Taxes and Tax Reductions on Air Travel: Selectivity and Compatibility

airplanes on the runway

This posting examines an Irish and a German measure concerning reduction in passenger taxes. As to be expected, an important issue for both measures was whether the reduction was selective or not. The analysis of the Commission does not really break new ground. What is more instructive with these two cases is the range and ingenuity of the arguments advanced […]

No Comments

State Aid Uncovered ×

20. December 2013 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides

Economically Rational Environmental Aid

water processing plant

Introduction A few months ago I wrote an article on this blog explaining the big puzzle of environmental State aid. Since the rules allow State aid which is only a proportion of the extra costs incurred by companies investing in environmentally friendly technology, it is puzzling why they make this investment. After all, they have the option of not incurring […]

No Comments

26. May 2013 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides

The Puzzle of Environmental Aid: Why Do Firms Make Environmental Investments?

windmills

Introduction Environmental aid is the second largest horizontal category of state aid, after regional aid. It accounts for about 24% of all aid to industry and services. Yet, one often hears from public officials that the current Environmental Aid Guidelines (EAG) do not provide sufficient incentives for environmental protection. The problem is that aid is calculated as a percentage not […]

No Comments

9. May 2013 | State Aid Uncovered by Phedon Nicolaides

Taxes and Tax Reductions on Air Travel: Selectivity and Compatibility

airplanes on the runway

This posting examines an Irish and a German measure concerning reduction in passenger taxes. As to be expected, an important issue for both measures was whether the reduction was selective or not. The analysis of the Commission does not really break new ground. What is more instructive with these two cases is the range and ingenuity of the arguments advanced […]

No Comments

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