Press Release: State aid: Commission calls for recovery of tax benefits granted by Spain to certain Economic Interest Groupings (EIG) and their investors

After an in-depth investigation, the European Commission has concluded that a Spanish scheme for the purchase of ships involving leasing and financing through tax relief is partly incompatible with EU rules on state aid.

This scheme, which was set up in 2002, conferred a selective advantage on economic interest groupings and their investors over their competitors. The Commission was not notified of the scheme for the purpose of prior authorisation as required. Under European rules, the beneficiaries must now repay the aid to the Spanish state.

On the 18 July 2013 ehe Spanish government said it was considering taking legal action against the European Commission's decision.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background Information: Press Release: State aid: Commission launches investigation into tax benefits granted by Spain for the purchase of ships http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-state-aid-commission-launches-investigation-into-tax-benefits-granted-by-spain-for-the-purchase-of-ships/

European Commission, MEMO/13/696: Ayudas estatales: la Comisión pide la recuperación de ayudas fiscales concedidas por España a determinadas Agrupaciones de Interés Económico (AIE) y a sus inversores - Preguntas frecuentes http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-13-696_es.htm

El País, 17.07.13: Brussels orders Spain to recover tax breaks granted to shipbuilding sector http://elpais.com/elpais/2013/07/17/inenglish/1374067689_529494.html

El País, 18.07.13: Spain may take EC ruling on shipyards aid to court http://elpais.com/elpais/2013/07/18/inenglish/1374172485_628384.html

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