Print    Share

Home page   |  Statistics   |  State aid  

State aid

Properly functioning markets are one of the driving factors behind sustainable economic growth. Through properly functioning markets, society's resources are steered towards the most efficient production without too many resources being consumed by the market's own mechanisms. Where efficient enterprises are allowed to drive out less efficient ones the consequence is that there are more resources over which is also called growth. 
 

Modest use of state aid for enterprise contributes to properly functioning markets. State aid risks affecting production so that it is not performed in the most efficient way which, in the long term, is negative for consumers. In today's globalised world these consumers may be found in all corners of the world. A restrictive view of state aid is therefore an important feature both nationally and internationally. It is for this reason that the WTO and the EU have rules on state aid which limit the freedom of action of member states in the area of state aid.

What is Growth Analysis doing so far as state aid is concerned? 
Growth Analysis is responsible for monitoring the extent of state aid to the business sector in Sweden. This is done with the aid of an annual survey where public authorities and organisations granting aid report inter alia the amounts they have disbursed as aid for the previous year. ITPS responsibility does not cover aid granted by the EU or financial assistance within the framework of agricultural and fisheries policy. 
 

Each year a statistical report is published where the extent of Swedish aid is presented in an easily accessible form (previously ITPS). The results of the survey also form the basis for the reporting on state aid which Sweden is responsible for submitting to the WTO and European Commission respectively.