European Commission authorizes French aid scheme for reducing water pollution

Feb. 12, 2003 -- The European Commission has decided not to raise any objection to a French environmental aid scheme designed to reduce the pollution of drinking water by industrial discharges.

The scheme will be implemented by the water agencies. It is designed to promote the treatment of discharges in watercourses and public water supply networks, to reduce the production of harmful discharges and to reduce the volume of polluted water requiring treatment by taking direct action on industrial processes.

The scheme provides aid for investment in water depollution equipment of up to 30% of the cost of such equipment. Higher aid intensities are possible for small businesses and firms located in assisted regions.

The Commission assessed the scheme primarily in the light of the Community guidelines on state aid for environmental protection. It concluded that the scheme was compatible with the criteria set out in the guidelines and could thus be authorised in accordance with Article 87(3)(c) of the EC Treaty.