State aid: Commission approves support for the development of e-mobility charging stations in Schleswig-Holstein
The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a German measure to support the development of charging stations for electric vehicles in the German State of Schleswig-Holstein. The aim of the scheme is to expand a network of charging infrastructure so that electric vehicles can be charged across Schleswig-Holstein in a fast and easy way. To this end, the scheme will support the construction of (i) new publicly accessible charging infrastructure; (ii) private charging infrastructure; and (iii) charging infrastructure dedicated to electric buses operated in public transport. This should ensure that at least 1,500 additional recharging points for vehicles and up to six bus depots will be equipped with recharging stations. The budget of the measure amounts to €18 million. The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, and in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities which pursue a common interest, under certain conditions. The Commission considers that the measure will encourage a significant uptake of low-emissions vehicles, thus making a major contribution towards the reduction of CO2 and pollutant emissions, in line with the EU’s climate and environmental objectives and the goals set by European Green Deal. The Commission concluded that the contribution to EU environmental and climate goals of the scheme outweighs any potential distortion of competition and trade brought about by the support. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. This scheme complements the previously approved German federal schemes on electric charging infrastructure and on the acquisition of electric buses used in public transport and the relevant charging infrastructure. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website in the public case register under the case number SA.55201 once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
