State Aid for Environmental Protection: Review of Critical Issues

Target group Officials from central and regional ministries and/or other authorities dealing with environmental state aid issues and managers from public or private enterprises, who may be involved in the formulation and implementation of environmental state aid schemes. Description This seminar introduces the state aid guidelines for environmental protection as well as the objective and developments of the European Union's environmental policy. This is followed by an in-depth focus on several specific issues such as cost calculation, reduction of environmental taxes, etc. Method The seminar will use a mixture of training methods. The lectures are given by EIPA experts, Commission officials and Member State representatives. The speakers will have different backgrounds so as to offer a variety of views and perspectives. The seminar includes a workshop with various case studies. In addition, for beginners in the area of state aid, there is an introductory workshop on the afternoon of Monday 13 February 2012. This presents the basic principles of state aid policy. Objectives The seminar aims to give participants a comprehensive understanding of the environmental guidelines and related environmental policies. EIPA, which is organising and hosting the seminar, has extensive experience and a well-established track record in these types of professional training activities. The seminar forms part of the work and research of the Institute in the broader area of competition policy.