World-class State aid specialists
State aid is a highly technical area of EU law and has generated a wide range of evolving case law. Compliance with State aid rules is therefore an issue in any public intervention that involves State resources. State aid can indeed occur whenever a public authority or undertaking grants a selective advantage to undertakings to the detriment of others. It can distort competition and affect trade between Member States, which is harmful to consumers and undertakings in the EU. State aid issues are usually quite complex, requiring a high level of expertise, in-depth knowledge and pragmatism. CMS has a dedicated team of legal specialists to advise on State aid-related matters. Our State aid specialist lawyers take a thorough approach to legal detail and can also stand back and take a wider view to deliver the best results. Our experience covers all aspects of State aid: fiscal incentives, rescue and restructuring aid, aid for infrastructures, services of general economic interest, regional aid, RDI aid, aid for environmental, aid for energy, etc.
CMS State Aid Group
The CMS State Aid Practice Area Group comprises 45 State aid law specialists practicing State aid law in 20 jurisdictions being located in 23 cities in Europe and beyond – all committed to assist you.
Broad Sector Experience
CMS State aid specialists have particular expertise in following industry sectors:
- Air, maritime and rail transport sectors
- Energy
- Financial Services
- Postal sector
- Telecoms
- Multifunctional and sport infrastructure
- Manufacturing
Our services in State aid matters
CMS lawyers represent both public authorities and private companies on all aspects of the State aid rules. This includes:
- Legal assessment of the existence of an aid and its compatibility
- Set up of aid schemes
- Assistance to public authorities in the notification of State aid
- Assistance to public authorities or beneficiaries in State aid investigations by the European Commission
- Drafting and lodging complaints before the European Commission
- Litigation before national and EU Courts
Leading individuals
CMS lawyers in many countries have shaped the State aid legal development through numerous publications, lectures and representations as well as involvement in studies on State aid for the European Commission. This in-depth know-how and experience is accessible in all CMS jurisdictions because the CMS team is used to interacting seamlessly across all the countries in which we operate.
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