Cyprus research foundation expands use of EU state aid provisions from three to ten
RIF now uses ten EU state aid provisions to fund research and innovation, up from three in 2016, officials said after a meeting on funding schemes and EU rule changes.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) has expanded the number of EU state aid provisions it uses to fund research and innovation from three in 2016 to ten today, officials said on Monday. The change was discussed at a meeting between State Aid Control Commissioner Stella Michaelidou and RIF director general Theodoros Loukaidis.
Broader range of support
According to an official announcement, RIF relied on three main articles of the EU’s General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) when it launched funding programmes in 2016. Its use of ten provisions now extends support beyond conventional research projects to research infrastructure, process and organisational innovation, professional training, innovation clusters, investment and regional aid, and companies participating in international exhibitions.
The GBER allows EU member states to grant certain categories of state aid without first obtaining individual approval from the European Commission, provided specified conditions are met. The framework is intended to speed up aid while limiting distortions of competition in the single market.
Scheme design and EU rule changes
Michaelidou said her office works with RIF throughout the preparation of funding schemes and described the foundation as a model in its use of the GBER. She said involving the State Aid Control Office when a scheme is first designed could prevent delays and help ensure compliance with EU state aid rules.
The meeting also addressed technical aspects of the GBER under revision, particularly provisions on research and innovation. The European Commission launched a consultation on a draft replacement in February to simplify the framework, reduce administrative burdens and adapt the rules to technological and market developments. The consultation closed on April 23, and member states discussed a revised draft at an advisory committee meeting earlier this month.
Loukaidis described the State Aid Control Office as one of RIF’s most important partners in strengthening Cyprus’ research, technological development and innovation ecosystem.
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