The EU Commission and member state governments need more time to agree on relaxing the strict rules on state subsidies. The Brussels authority wants to make it easier for governments to protect companies against high energy prices. Therefore, the Commission will adopt a so-called Temporary Crisis Framework for state aid, a set of rules with more generous rules. The plan was for the college of commissioners to approve the crisis framework this Wednesday. The responsible Commission Vice President Margrethe Vestager said Süddeutsche Zeitungthat this will be delayed “by a few days” because their authority wants to continue to discuss details with the governments. “We’re trying to square the circle,” said the Dane. Some governments are primarily interested in keeping their industry running, while “for others it is more important that there are strong incentives to save gas”. The Commission now wants to find ways in exchange with the governments to better reconcile both wishes, she said.
Crisis aid – EU subsidy rules are delayed – economy
