The government adopted the Guidelines for State Aid Policy for the period from 2024 to 2026 at its meeting on Thursday.
The guidelines were prepared by the Ministry of Finance in accordance with the State Aid Act, and as stated by the relevant minister Marko Primorac, they represent instructions for state aid providers at the central level when planning measures and drafting proposals for state aid within their jurisdiction.
The guidelines outline the objectives of granting state aid, which providers should strive to achieve, and as the most desirable, the minister highlighted ‘horizontal’ aid, which is also in line with European Union practices.
These are aids related to research, development and innovation, environmental protection, training, employment, and investment. ‘When we talk about investments, especially those aids that are in the form of regional aid,’ added Primorac.
As stated in the explanation of the decision, the guidelines apply only to state aid in industry and services, and not to state aid in agriculture and fisheries.
It is also noted that, in accordance with the guidelines, state aid providers should exercise particular caution when deciding on granting state aid that, by its nature, has a more negative effect on market competition. These are sectoral state aids, for which the amount and frequency of granting in the period 2024 – 2026 should be reduced to the minimum possible extent, it is emphasized.
