AMCU approved the project of assessment of state aid in the field of port infrastructure

In May, the Antimonopoly Committee (AMCU) approved the draft Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on the assessment of state aid in the field of port infrastructure.

The project provides for the approval of criteria for assessing the admissibility of state aid to business entities for port infrastructure facilities, AMCU reported.

According to the project, the categories of recipients of state aid will include companies that simultaneously meet the following characteristics:

• are not in a difficult situation;

• carry out economic activities using port infrastructure facilities.

At the same time, state aid must have a stimulating effect and be directed by the recipient to a clearly defined list of expenses. In particular, it is:

• investments for new construction, reconstruction, capital repair and technical re-equipment of port infrastructure;

• investments for new construction, reconstruction, capital repair and technical re-equipment of access infrastructure;

• dredging works.

Expenditure related to activities not directly related to transport, including industrial production facilities operating in the port, offices or shops, and port superstructures, are not eligible.

The draft criteria also determine the maximum percentages of the intensity of state aid for port infrastructure, access infrastructure and dredging works.

In addition, the project also offers the following requirements:

• new construction, reconstruction, overhaul, technical re-equipment, operation and/or lease of port infrastructure is carried out by companies determined on a competitive, transparent and non-discriminatory basis;

• access to the port infrastructure should be open to all interested users and provided on a transparent and non-discriminatory basis.

The specified criteria will make it possible to introduce at the national level unified and understandable approaches to assessing the admissibility of state aid in the field of port infrastructure and will ensure the proper implementation of the relevant provisions of the Association Agreement, the AMCU noted.

For reference: the draft Resolution adopted by the Committee, in accordance with the legislation, will be made public for public consultation and sent to the interested state authorities for approval.