The Authority prolongs its State Aid Guidelines on short term export credit insurance and aid for research & development

Brussels, 7 December 2005

The EFTA Surveillance Authority decided today to prolong its State Aid Guidelines on short term export credit insurance until 30 June 2006 or until the date the Authority adopts any changes or issues new guidelines on short term export credit insurance, whichever comes first. The State Aid Guidelines on aid for research and development are prolonged until 31 December 2006.

The two sets of guidelines were to expire at the end of 2005. The European Commission is expected to adopt new guidelines on short term export credit insurance shortly and, later in 2006, new guidelines on research and development. Parallel guidelines will then be adopted by the Authority and incorporated into its State Aid Guidelines. Until then the current guidelines will be applicable.

For further information, please contact:

Ms. Marie Wiersholm, National expert, Competition and State Aid Directorate,
tel. (+32)(0)2 286 18 65,
concerning the guidelines on research and development;
and
Mr. Espen Bakken, National expert, Competition and State Aid Directorate,
tel (+32)(0)2 286 18 18,
concerning the guidelines on short term export credit insurance.

EFTA Surveillance Authority