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EU Environmental State Aid Policy: Wide Implications, Narrow Participation?

Publication Type and Number: FNI Report 13/2008

Pages: 25
Author: Karoline Flåm
ISBN: 978-82-7613-542-8 (print), 978-82-7613-543-5 (online)
Project ISSN: 1504-9744

Abstract: This article examines the 2008 reform of EU environmental state aid guidelines, focusing on external pressure and lobbying. It finds a low level of external influence, particularly from the private sector, with policy largely shaped by a few Commission officials without significant interference. The paper explores reasons for this limited participation and considers whether state aid policymaking is influenced more by complexity and bounded rationality than by established interests.

Key Words: Environment, EU, lobbying, renewable energy, state aid

Orders to:
Fridtjof Nansen Institute
Postboks 326
N-1326 Lysaker, Norway.
Tel: (47) 6711 1900
Fax: (47) 6711 1910
Email: [email protected]
Internet: www.fni.no

CANES Project: A Norwegian-Swedish research initiative exploring the impact of climate policies on Nordic energy markets and infrastructure, coordinated by FNI with partners including SEI, Lund Institute of Technology, and several industrial entities. Funded primarily by RENKLIM Programme of Norway's Research Council.

Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Determinants of EU State Aid Policy-making
- Commission Control?
- Industry and Member State Influence
3. Changes in the EU’s Environmental State Aid Policy
4. The Reform Process: An Overview
- Initiating the Reform
- First Draft
- Second Draft
- Final Guidelines
5. Stakeholder Influence on EU State Aid Policies – a Discussion
6. Concluding Remarks
7. Appendix: Study Respondents
8. References

Abbreviations:
DG - Directorate-General
EEA - European Economic Area
EFTA - European Free Trade Association
EU - European Union
NGO - Non-governmental organization