€30 MILLION SLOVAK SUPPORT SCHEME FOR MODAL SHIFT
On 4 August, the European Commission approved, under EU State aid rules, a €30 million Slovak scheme to encourage freight transport to shift from road-only to combined road-rail and road-inland waterway transport. The scheme, which will be funded through the Recovery and Resilience Facility (‘RRF'), will run until 31 December 2027.
The purpose of the scheme is to support: (i) the development of new routes for unaccompanied combined freight transport involving a road leg and rail transport and/or inland waterway transport, and (ii) the purchase of new intermodal transport units. Under the scheme, the support will take form of direct grants to companies active in rail freight sector in Slovakia. The aid will cover up to: (i) 49% of the eligible costs in case of support for new routes; and (ii) 30% of the eligible costs in case of support for intermodal transport units.
The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules and concluded that the measure will contribute to transport coordination and facilitate the shift of freight transport from road to rail or inland waterways, in line with the objectives of the EU Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy and the European Green Deal, without unduly distorting competition in the Single Market. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.64465 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
Source: European Commission