EU eases state aid rules for port investments

The European Commission (EC) has eased rules for public investments in areas including ports and airports to facilitate and speed up member states’ investments in infrastructure.

The new regulation exempts from prior state aid control member states’ investments of up to €150m in seaports and up to €50m in inland ports, including the cost of any dredging works needed to keep waterways deep enough for vessels to dock.

Prior to the new rules, member states were usually required to notify infrastructure plans for state aid to the EC and receive its approval before moving forward with the projects.