Competition, State aid: manufacturing sector, 1993-1997. 7th report

In adopting the report by Mr Jonckheer (Greens/EFA, B), the European Parliament adopts the resolution on the seventh survey on state aid in the European Union in the manufacturing and certain other sectors. The resolution reaffirms the Parliament's concern to see the elimination of illegal state aids but recognises that state aid will remain necessary to fulfil other objectives such as sustainable development and social cohesion. The Parliament calls for the elimination of illegal state aid given across the EU and regrets the high level of illegal state aid given in some Member States; such illegal aid gives an unfair advantage to the businesses which receive it and distorts competition, leading to an inefficient and wasteful allocation of scarce resources. In view of the different shortcomings concerning data available in the present Survey, the Parliament asks the Commission to monitor in close cooperation with the Member States the possibilities for improving data quality in time for the Ninth Survey. The Parliament reiterates its demand that the Commission should come forward in the near future with a proposal for a register of public aid covering all kinds of public aid given to companies and set out, at least, the size and the names of of companies having received the bulk of aid; this register should be updated regularly - at least once a year - and made public. The EP calls on the Commission to expand upon its conclusion that the 'candidate countries' compliance with the State aid acquis well in advance of accession is indispensable' since specific regaulation before accession and transitional periods afterwards might be necessary to allow for the creation of a diversified, competitive and environmentally sustainable economic structure in these countries. It also calls on the Commission, in connection with repayment of unlawful state aid, to institute effective arrangements to harmonise the rules on repayments.�