European Commission 11 May 2021, COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE EVALUATION of the instruments applicable to State aid in the agricultural and forestry sectors and in rural areas

Context and objectives State aid control is a key instrument of the EU’s competition policy, as enshrined in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Its objective is to safeguard the internal market by preventing undue distortions of competition and trade. The Treaty generally prohibits State aid unless it is justified for reasons of economic development or for the common good.