Commission invites comments on draft new State aid General Block Exemption Regulation
The European Commission has today launched a public consultation on the draft of a simpler and more streamlined General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). The GBER defines specific categories of State aid as compatible with EU rules, if they fulfil certain conditions, and exempts them from prior notification to and approval by the Commission. This allows Member States to quickly provide aid if conditions limiting the distortion of competition in the Single Market are met.
The new GBER will involve less administrative burden, will be adapted to recent social, market and technology developments and will allow greater flexibility in the design of aid measures. Changes include measures for SMEs, simplification of the granting of operating aid for renewable energy, updated provisions to help address the housing crisis, updated rules to stimulate R&D and innovation, clearer and more flexible rules applicable to aid for airports, and abolishing the obligation to evaluate aid schemes with large budgets.
Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, said: “The new draft GBER we propose today will reduce administrative burden and simplify legislation. This rulebook will make it easier and faster for Member States to boost the competitiveness of our industries, including SMEs, without having to wait for State aid approval. I strongly encourage all public authorities, companies and other interested parties to participate in this important consultation.”
The Commission invites Member States and all other interested parties to comment on the draft by 23 April 2026. In addition to the consultation launched today, the draft proposal will be discussed in meetings between the Commission and Member States. The public consultation will close on 23 April 2026. The adoption of the revised GBER is planned for the end of 2026, before the current GBER expires on 31 December 2026.
