Press Release: State aid: Commission endorses Finnish temporary tax incentives for productive investment

The European Commission endorsed a Finnish proposal for tax incentives for productive investment projects. Under the proposed scheme, for the fiscal years 2009 and 2010 Finland would temporarily double the depreciation rates for new factory and workshop buildings as well as new machinery and equipment used in such buildings. The aim of the proposed scheme is to stimulate investment in response to the current economic downturn. The Commission found that the tax incentive was a general measure, as it would be available to all enterprises having factory or workshop buildings regardless of their location, size and sector. The measure therefore does not constitute state aid as defined in Article 87 of the EC Treaty and can be implemented.