Commission’s policy on State guarantees

United Kingdom

The Commission has published a “Notice” explaining under what conditions State guarantees constitute State aid. Guarantees granted by public authorities in the commercial field at non-commercial conditions are considered State aid when they are likely to affect trade between Member States. Except for export credit guarantees, the Notice covers all forms of guarantees in the commercial field, regardless of their legal basis or the transaction covered. The Notice is equally applicable to legal structures in which a Member State runs a public undertaking. (OJ C71 11/3/00)