Commission consults on state aid advice

Courts and claimants in the UK will receive more detailed guidance on EU state aid rules under measures outlined by the European Commission. The proposals aim to provide guidance on issues including the protection of individual rights, the recovery of illegal aid, interim relief and damages actions. In addition, the Commission also hopes to provide national courts with practical support by implementing support mechanisms based on those used in the area of antitrust. The consultation says that the use of such mechanisms will allow UK judges to ask the Commission for its opinion on state aid rules.