A review of the pre and post COVID–19 State aid rules in the area of R&D&I

Abstract

This contribution aims to bring clarity about the existing R&D&I State aid rules, being focused on R&D&I tax incentives as a form of State aid. Even if they may fall into the scope of art. 107(1) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), a justification for their compatibility with the internal market can be found on art. 107(3) TFEU. Thus, the author explores both the GBER and the R&D&I Framework to determine the criteria for the compatibility of R&D&I tax incentives. Finally, as the Commission has approved temporary State aid rules for R&D related to COVID–19, a special reference to the temporary measures and its relationship with the existing State aid rules in the area of R&D&I will be made.

Keywords

• state aids
• tax incentives
• r&d&i
• covid-19