Transcript Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI

STATE AID applied to European Territorial
Cooperation programmes
Madrid, 12 February 2009
The Portuguese case Presentation by a
Portuguese expert on State Aid
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
• Territorial cooperation in the programme period 2007-2013
• CTE Programmes with Portuguese participation
• State Aid
–Community Rules
–NATIONAL FRAMEWORK
INCENTIVE SYSTEMS IN THE NSRF
Networks, Information and Knowledge
SA in PT – de minimis Control
Rules of the Structural Funds
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
What is European Territorial Cooperation
A lesson
in the unpredictable and endless value of the difference
in the patient but agile art of consensus
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
European Territorial Cooperation in the period 2007-2013
Third pillar of the Policy of Cohesion
One of the Objectives of the NSRF
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Guiding principles of the European Territorial Cooperation
Objective 2007-2013




Operational Concentration
Investment and Development Actions Selectiveness
Economic Viability and Financial Sustainability of Investments
Territorial Cohesion
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
 Portugal – Spain 2007-2013 Cross-border Cooperation OP
 Mediterranean Sea Basin 2007-2013 Cross-border Cooperation OP
 Atlantic Area 2007-2013 Transnational Cooperation OP
 Southwest European Area Transnational Cooperation OP (SUDOE 20072013)
 Mediterranean Area Transnational Cooperation OP (MED 2007-2013)
 Madeira-Azores-Canaries Area Transnational Cooperation OP (MAC 20072013)
 INTERREG IVC Inter-regional Cooperation OP
 INTERACT, URBACT and ESPON Inter-regional Cooperation Network OPs
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Cross-Border Cooperation – A Portugal – Spain
ERDF
for the OP
for Portugal
Contribution Rate
267 million €
60 million €
75%
Countries included
Portugal - Spain
Objectives:
competitivity, cohesion, sustainable
development
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Cross-Border Cooperation A – Programme of the European
Neighbourhood Mediterranean Basin Instrument (ENPI)
ERDF
for the OP
190 million €
for Portugal
0.6 million €
Contribution Rate
90%
Countries included
Mediterranean Basin, Algarve and
Alentejo
Objectives / Priorities
competitivity, cohesion, sustainable
development, maritime heritage
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Transnational Cooperation B Atlantic Area OP
ERDF
for the OP
for Portugal
Contribution Rate
104 million €
16 million €
60%
Countries included
Portugal - Spain – France
Ireland - United Kingdom
Objectives / Priorities
competitivity, cohesion, entrepreneurship,
innovation, accessibilities, sustainability
marine environment
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Transnational Cooperation B SUDOE OP
ERDF
for the OP
for Portugal
Contribution Rate
100 million €
7 million €
75%
Countries included
Portugal - Spain – France
United Kingdom (Gibraltar)
Objectives / Priorities
competitivity, innovation, environment,
accessibilities, sustainability, accessibility
urban development
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Transnational Cooperation B MED OP
ERDF
for the OP
for Portugal
170 million €
4 million €
Contribution Rate
75%
Countries included
Portugal Spain France Italy Greece
Slovenia Malta Cyprus United
Kingdom (Gibraltar)
Objectives / Priorities
Growth and employment, Cohesion,
environment, mobility
polycentric development
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Transnational Cooperation B MAC OP
ERDF
for the OP
for Portugal
45 million €
10 million €
Contribution Rate
80%
Countries included
Portugal - Spain
Cape Verde (associated partner)
Objectives / Priorities
competitivity, innovation, environment,
sustainability, accessibilities urban
development
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Cooperation Interregional INTERREG IV C
ERDF
for the OP
Contribution Rate
321 million €
75% - 85%
(Portugal 85%)
Countries included
The 27 Member States
Objectives / Priorities
Innovation, economy based on
knowledge, environment
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Million €
Summary Chart
ERDF - Portugal
AG
AC
AA
Cross-Border A
60,6
PT/ES
60
ES
PT
ES
ENPI
0,6
IT
IT
IT
Transnational B
37
Atlantic Area
16
PT
PT
PT
SUDOE
7
ES
ES
ES
MAC
10
ES
PT
ES
MED
4
FR
FR
FR
IV C
nd
FR
FR
FR
INTERACT
nd
SK
SK
SK
Inter-regional C
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Statutory Auditor
Support for
Institutional
Management
Legal Support
and Litigation
Directive Council
Information
Systems
Financial
Coordination
Coordination of
Operational
Management
Certification
Control and Audit
Financial and
Asset
Administration
IS NSRF
Programming
and Financial
Monitoring
Support for
Operational
Management
ERDF and
Cohesion Fund
Planning and
Programming
Human
Resources
SIFEC
Monitoring and
Evaluation
Territorial
Cooperation
and Community
Initiatives
Control of
Expense
Declarations
Audit
Financial
Management
Internal IS
Internal Audit
Communication
Technical
Documentation
Body
Unit
Group
Temporary project team
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Final Beneficiaries - partners
 National, regional and local administrations
 Socio-professional organizations and business associations
 Research centres, universities, university and polytechnic institutes
 Associations, foundations and local and regional development agencies
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
CTE Programmes with Portuguese Participation
Types of actions
 Studies
 Networks
 Pilot Projects
 Training and Information
 Interchange of Experience
 Infrastructures (P-E)
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid
EC RULES (DG COMPETITION)
STATE AID
NATIONAL FRAMEWORK OF STATE AID
IS R&DT
IS INNOVATION
IS QUALIFICATION SME
EC RULES (DG REGIO)
STRUCTURAL FUNDS
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Basic Principle
State Aid is illegal (no.1 of Article
87 of the Treaty)
Transfer of resources of the State
Economic advantage
Selectivity
Effect on competition and commercial exchange between Member States
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
COMPATIBILITY WITH THE COMMON MARKET
(no. 3 of Article 87 of the Treaty)
This may be considered compatible with the common market:
 To promote the economic development of regions where the
standard of living is unusually low (…);
 To facilitate the development of certain economic activities or
regions, when it does not alter the conditions of commercial
exchange in a way that would be against the common interest;
 (…)
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
CONTROL OF STATE AID
(Article 88 of the Treaty)
 The Commission is responsible for the task of controlling state aid (in
cooperation with the Member States).
 The Member States should inform the Commission in good time of
any projects relating to the concession of State Aid (“obligation to
notify”).
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Derogations
allowed for
by the
DG
Competition
(Regulations)
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
→
de Minimis Rule
Aid for Regional purposes
Aid for SME’s
Aid for R&D&I
Aid for Professional Training
Aid in favour of the Environment
Emergency aid and for the restructuring of companies
Aid for Employment
Risk Capital Measures
Services of general economic interest
Elements of aid related with the sale of public land and
buildings
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for R&D&I
SCOPE
R&D Project :
Fundamental research;
Industrial research;
Experimental development;
Aid for consultancy services in innovation and for de
innovation support services.
(…)
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for R&D&I
INCENTIVE EFFECT
The EC considers that aid should increase the dimension,
scope, amount or pace of R&D&I activity, and should be proven
for :
 Aid for non-SME’s;
 Aid of over 7,5 million Euros for SME’s;
For other projects, the EC considers that there is an incentive
effect if the work starts after the presentation of a request for
assistance.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for R&D&I
RESTRICTIONS
Sectorial: Transports by rail, road or navigable routes.
Emergency state aid and for the restructuring of companies
in difficulty.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for R&D&I
MAXIMUM RATES OF SUPPORT FOR R&D PROJECTS
BASE RATE
INCREASES
Fundamental Research:
100%
+ 10 p.p Medium-sized
Companies
Industrial Research: 50%
+20 p.p Small Companies
+ 15 p.p Cooperation or
publishing of results
Experimental
Development: 25%
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for R&D&I
COOPERATION BETWEEN RESEARCH COMPANIES AND ORGANISMS
There is no indirect state aid if:
 The participating companies bear all of the costs of the project;
 Results which do not lead to Property Rights may be widely divulged
and the research Organism holds all of the rights;
 The Organism receives a compensation equivalent to the market price
for the property rights from the companies;
When there is state aid: the contributions of the Organisms to this project
may not exceed the intensities applicable to each company.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for R&D&I
LIMIT OF NOTIFICATION
20 M€ for Fundamental Research projects;
10 M€ for Industrial Research projects;
7.5 M€ for Experimental Development projects.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for R&D&I
AID FOR CONSULTANCY SERVICES
The Beneficiary is a SME;
 The aid does not exceed a maximum value of 200,000 Euros per
beneficiary during a period of 3 years (this limit is independent of the
limit established by the de minimis rule );
 The aid may not exceed 75% of the eligible costs if the providers are
not certified;
 The beneficiary should use the aid to acquire the services at market
prices.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for regional purposes
SCOPE
To promote the development of less developed regions.
 Support for tangible assets (land, buildings and installations /
machines) and intangible assets (transfer of technology through the
acquisition of patents, licences, know-how or unprotected technical
knowledge).
 In the case of Non-SME's, costs with intangible assets are eligible up to
a limit of 50% of the total of the eligible investment.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for regional purposes
INCENTIVE EFFECT
The EC considers that there is an incentive effect if the work starts after
the presentation of a request for aid and after the respective written
confirmation of its eligibility resulting from a pre-evaluation.
In the case of aid subject to individual notification, the promoter may not
begin his project before the agreement of the EC.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for regional purposes
RESTRICTIONS
Sectorial: Sector of the Fisheries, Aquaculture, shipbuilding, agriculture,
coal, steelworks, synthetic fibres.
Road Transports: Cannot receive aid for the acquisition of transport
vehicles + The increase for SME’s does not apply.
Aid granted to activities related with exports or which are intended to
replace imports.
Emergency state aid and for the restructuring of companies in difficulty.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
MAP OF PORTUGUESE REGIONS
Regional
Competitiveness and
Employment Region –
Lisbon
Phasing In Region –
Madeira
Convergence Regions
– North, Centre,
Alentejo and Azores
Statistical Phasing
Out Region – Algarve
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for regional purposes
CHART OF REGIONAL AID – CONVERGENCE REGIONS
2011-2013
Region
2007-2010
Centre / Alentejo
40% / 50% / 60%
Centre
36,5% / 46,5% / 56,5%
North / Centre Alentejo
30% / 40% / 50%
30% / 40% /
50%
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for regional purposes
CHART OF REGIONAL AID – NON-CONVERGENCE REGIONS
Region
2007-2010 / 2007-2008
2011-2013 / 2009-2013
Algarve
30% / 40% / 50%
20% / 30% / 40%
Lisbon
Lisbon
Lisbon
15% / 25% / 35%
10% / 20% / 30%
0% / 0% / 0%
0% / 0% / 0%
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for regional purposes
CHART OF REGIONAL AID – REDUCTION IN LIMITS FOR LARGE
PROJECTS
ELIGIBLE EXPENSES
MAXIMUM ADJUSTED LIMIT OF AID
Up to 50 M€
100% of the regional limit
The part between 50 M€
and 100 M€
50% of the regional limit
The part above 100 M€
34% of the regional limit
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for regional purposes
CHART OF REGIONAL AID – REDUCTION IN LIMITS AFTER RISK CAPITAL
When the capital granted to a company (under the intervention of Risk
Capital) is used to finance an investment project (IS Innovation or IS
SME), the maximum limits are reduced by 20% (Assisted Regions –
North, Centre, Alentejo, Algarve and parte of the Lisbon Region) or 50%
(part of the Lisbon Region).
This reduction will be applied for 3 years up to the limit of the intervention
of Risk Capital.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for regional purposes
LIMIT OF NOTIFICATION
Support greater than aid which may receive support for an investment of
100 M€ for a given region:
 37.5 M€ for projects in regions with a regional limit of 50%;
 30.0 M€ for projects in regions with a regional limit of 40%;
 22.5 M€ for projects in regions with a regional limit of 30%;
 15.0 M€ for projects in regions with a regional limit of 20%;
 11.25 M€ for projects in regions with a regional limit of 15%;
 7.5 M€ for projects in regions with a regional limit of 10%;
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for regional purposes
MECHANISM OF TRANSPARENCY
Large Projects (with an eligible investment of over 50 M€), which are not
subject to notification, should be the object of ex-post information up to
20 working days after the concession of the aid.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for SME’s
SCOPE
To promote the development of SME’s.
 Support for tangible assets (land, buildings and installations /
machines) and intangible assets (transfer of technology through the
acquisition of patents, licences, know-how or unprotected technical
knowledge), as well as salary costs.
 This may also contemplate aid related with consultancy and the
participation of SME’s in trade fairs.
 (…)
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
Aid for SME’s
INCENTIVE EFFECT
If the SME has presented a request for aid before starting the project.
RESTRICTIONS
Sectorial: Fisheries, aquaculture, shipbuilding, agriculture, steelworks,
synthetic fibres.
Aid granted to activities related with exports or which are intended to
replace imports.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
State Aid: Aid for SME’s
MAXIMUM RATE OF SUPPORT (Tangible and Intangible Assets)
REGION
LIMIT
Regions Assisted
Chart of regional aid
Other Regions
Current Rates : 7.5% / 15%
Rates RIC: 10% / 20%
MAXIMUM RATE OF SUPPORT (Consultancy)
LIMIT
50%
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
State Aid: Aid SME
LIMIT OF NOTIFICATION
7.5 M€ per SME and per project.
2.5 M€ for consultancy expenses.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
State Aid: de Minimis Rules
SCOPE
It is assumed that small amounts of aid do not affect competition or
trade between Member States.
 Limit of 200 thousand Euros of aid for 3 tax years.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: Community Rules
State Aid: de Minimis Rules
RESTRICTIONS
Sectorial: Fisheries, aquaculture, agriculture, coal.
Road Transports: May not receive aid for the acquisition of transport
vehicles + Have a lower limit (100 thousand Euros).
Aid granted to activities related with exports or which is intended to
replace imports.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: NATIONAL FRAMEWORK
SCOPE
Defines the conditions and rules to be observed by the systems of
incentives of the national territory for 2007-2013.
The following do not apply:
 Tax Regimes;
 Employment;
 Professional Training;
 Agriculture / Fisheries.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: NATIONAL FRAMEWORK
Strategies of Collective Efficiency
NATURE OF THE ELIGIBLE PROJECTS
1. R&D activities in companies;
2. Productive innovation :
a) New goods or services;
b) Expansion in sectors with a high technological content or
with dynamic international demand;
c) Process, organisational, marketing;
d) Structural investments;
e) Qualified entrepreneurship;
3. Development of dynamic factors of competitivity.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: NATIONAL FRAMEWORK
OTHER DEFINED PARAMETERS
 Sectorial scope;
 General conditions of eligibility of the promoter;
 General conditions of eligibility of the project;
 Eligibility of expenses;
 Criteria for the selection of projects;
 Maximum rates of support.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
State Aid: NATIONAL FRAMEWORK
NSRF INCENTIVE SYSTEMS
IS R&DT
IS INNOVATION
IS QUALIFICATION SME
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
INCENTIVE SYSTEMS IN THE NSRF
IS R&DT (up to approval by the EC)
EXPENSES
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK
Expenses for Non-SME's
de minimis Aid
Expenses for SME
Aid for SME (R&D)
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
INCENTIVE SYSTEMS IN THE NSRF
IS R&DT (after approval by the EC)
EXPENSES
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK
Protection of intellectual
property for Non-SME's
de minimis Aid
Other Expenses
Aid for R&D&I
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
INCENTIVE SYSTEMS IN THE NSRF
IS INNOVATION
EXPENSES
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK
Tangible Fixed Assets +
Intangible Fixed Assets
Regional Aid (or Aid for SME or
Minimis for Lisbon)
Other Expenses
SME: Aid for SME
(consultancy)
Non-SME's: de minimis Aid
International Promotion +
Protection of Property
Minimis Aid
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
INCENTIVE SYSTEMS IN THE NSRF
IS QUALIFICATION AND INTERNATIONALIZATION OF SME’S
EXPENSES
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK
Other Expenses (consultancy)
Aid for SME
Tangible Fixed Assets +
Intangible Fixed Assets + Hiring
of Technicians
Regions Lisbon / Algarve +
Transports Sector : de Minimis Aid
Other Regions and Sectors: Aid for
SME
International Promotion +
Protection of Property
Minimis Aid
Acquisition of Consultancy
(Simplified Project)
Aid for R&D&I
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
INCENTIVE SYSTEMS IN THE NSRF
EXPENSES
COMMUNITY FRAMEWORK
Professional Training
Aid for Professional Training
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
INCENTIVE SYSTEMS IN THE NSRF
MAXIMUM RATES OF SUPPORT – PRODUCTIVE INVESTMENTS
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
GENERAL
APPLICATION
STRAT. COLL.
EFFICIENCY
Innovation (including Struct. Projects,
entrepreneurship and Strat. Projects)
30% / 30% /
40%
20% / 40% /
50%
Other Investments
0%
15% / 25% / 35%
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
INCENTIVE SYSTEMS IN THE NSRF
MAXIMUM RATES OF SUPPORT – OTHER INVESTMENTS
TYPE OF INVESTMENT
R&D in companies
Dynamic Factors of Competitivity
GENERAL
APPLICATION
STRAT. COLL.
EFFICIENCY
Community Maxima
0% / 35% / 45%
0% / 40% / 50%
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
IS NSRF – Networks, Information and Knowledge
1. For implementation of the Public policies
2. For companies
GUIDELINE
PRINCIPLES
3. For Results
4. For the continuous improvement and
enhancement of competences
5. For cooperation and functioning in a network
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
IS NSRF – Networks, Information and Knowledge
INTERNET
Platform for Training
PORTAL
Creation of swift mechanisms of
communication between the points of e
contact in the network.
Creation of a common platform of
knowledge.
Conception and validation of documents
and technical support tools for the
operationalization of the IS throughout its
life cycle.
PO
NORTE
PO FC
PO
CENT.
IAPMEI
PO
ALEN.
AICEP
PO
LISBOA
PO
ALG.
AC
TP
Identification of gaps in information and of
competences to be filled through a specific
Training Plan.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
SA in PT – de minimis Control
Objective
• support for management decision
making, providing accurate
information on the accumulated
amount of support granted to an
entity in the relevant period of 3
years.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
SA in PT – de minimis Control
Solution
Creation of a central register, on a
national level, of all the aid granted
under the de minimis rule.
Information flows exclusively in
digital format for greater speed in
the control of accumulations of aid.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
SA in PT – de minimis Control
• Benefits
• Endogenization of the rules inherent to
the community policy on competition in
terms of State Aid.
• Greater safety in awarding new support.
• Speed and reliability in the availability of
information on de minimis support granted
to an entity.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Rules of the Structural Funds
EC RULES (DG REGIO) - STRUCTURAL FUNDS
THE FINANCING OF A PROJECT IN AN OP DOES NOT DISPENSE
WITH THE FULFILMENT OF COMPETITION RULES
Confirmation
ERDF Rate
Support
Concentrated
in SME’s
Relocation of
Large
Companies
Investment
Maintenance
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Rules of the Structural Funds
Rules SA - Structural Fund Rules
 Each Management Authority is responsible for ensuring that the
operations financed by the OP relating to State Aid respect the
standards and procedures of community legislation in this matter.
 In relation to the Funds there are no longer specific rules for the
maximum rates of financing of companies, having only to ensure
that the maximum rates of aid set out in the competition rules
(State Aid) are respected.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Rules of the Structural Funds
CONFIRMATION OF THE COMMUNITY CO-FINANCING RATE
 In terms of Structural Funds, the definition of Large Project
refers to an operation with a total cost of over 50 M€, or 25
M€ in the area of the environment.
 The financial participation of large projects is decided by the
DG REGIO, within the period of three months after the
transmission of the respective required information.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Rules of the Structural Funds
CONFIRMATION OF THE COMMUNITY CO-FINANCING RATE
 The large projects selected for financing will be presented by
the Management Authority to the IFDR, which will submit them
for the appreciation of the European Commission, via the
information system of the European Commission SFC 2007.
 The monitoring of the process by the European Commission
will be performed by the Management Authority, through the
IFDR.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Rules of the Structural Funds
CONFIRMATION OF THE COMMUNITY CO-FINANCING RATE
The information to be transmitted:
 Information on the nature of the investment, description thereof,
financial amount and location;
 Results of the viability studies;
 Calendar for the execution of the project;
 Cost-benefit analysis;
 Environmental impact analysis;
 Justification of the public participation;
 Financing plan
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Rules of the Structural Funds
LIMIT OF SUPPORT TO NON-SME’S
 Support from the policy of cohesion within the direct support to
productive investment, specifically through the ERDF, should be
concentrated in SME’s.
 This objective was indicatively quantified in, at least, 60% of the
total direct support granted to companies and will be monitored by
the European Commission.
 Direct support is understood to be incentive systems (with the
exception of IS R&DT) and the Innovation Risk Sharing measure.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI
Rules of the Structural Funds
RELOCATION OF LARGE COMPANIES
 In the case of support to Large Companies, a guarantee should be
requested from the company to ensure that the project is not in respect of
the relocation of its production equipment or services from another
Member State of the EU.
MAINTENANCE
 The participation of the funds will only be definitively allocated to a project
if in the period of 5 years (3 years for an SME), from the date of its
conclusion, the project does not undergo any substantial alteration which
may call the fulfilment of the objectives for which it was intended into
question.
Financial Institute for Regional Development, PI