Press Release: State aid: Commission authorises France and Italy to grant aid to Eurocopter and Agusta Westland for the development of a new generation of civil helicopters

The European Commission has authorised France and Italy to grant aid for research and development (R&D) to two European helicopter manufacturers (Eurocopter in France and Agusta Westland in Italy) for the development of new, innovative, medium-weight aircraft. The Commission has decided that these measures are compatible with the EU rules on state aid, particularly as the planned public funding is justified, proportionate and without risk for competition.