WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
8 December 2011  
 
(11-6364) 
Committee on Subsidies and 
Countervailing Measures Original:   English/ 
 French 
 
 
 
SUBSIDIES 
 
New and Full Notification Pursuant to Article XVI:1 of the GATT 1994 and 
Article 25 of the Agreement on S ubsidies and Countervailing Measures 
 
EUROPEAN UNION 
 
Addendum 
 
 
 The following addendum to the notification of  the European Union relates to subsidy 
programmes of Belgium . 
 
_______________ 
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 2  
 
  BELGIUM 
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
 
Page 
 
INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................. ................ 4  
I.  BELGIUM - FEDERAL STATE - ANNUAL REPORT 2009 AND 2010 ........................... 4  
A.  AID FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT  ................................................................................... 4  
B.  AID FOR MARITIME TRANSPORT - TONNAGE TAX ...................................................................... 4  
C.  TAX MEASURES TO PROMOTE THE PRODUCTION OF AUDIOVISUAL WORKS - TAX 
SHELTER REGIME EXTENSION  .................................................................................................... 5  
D.  EXCISE DUTY ON ENERGY PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICITY  .......................................................... 6  
E.  REDUCED EXCISE RATES FOR BIOFUELS  .................................................................................... 7  
F.  MEASURES OF PARTIAL EXEMPTION FROM PROFESSIONAL WITHHOLDING TAX TO 
PROMOTE  R&D .......................................................................................................................... . 8 
G.  SHORT -TERM EXPORT -CREDIT INSURANCE (BELGACAP ) .......................................................... 8  
II.  BELGIUM - BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGION - ANNUAL REPORT 2009 AND 
2010 .......................................................................................................................... .................. 9  
A.  AID FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH  ..................................................................................................... 9  
1.  Order of 13 December 2007 on aid for the promotion of economic growth in 
favour of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises ........................................................... 9  
2.  Order of 1 July 1993 on the promotion of economic growth in the 
Brussels-Capital Region ....................................................................................................... .. 11 
3.  Order of 1 April 2004 on regional aid for general investment in favour of micro, 
small and medium-sized enterprises (entered into force on 15 November 2005), replacing the Law of 4 August 1978 ...................................................................................... 13  
B.  A
ID FOR RESEARCH , DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION  ........................................................... 15  
1.  Order of 21 February 2002 concerning the encouragement and financing of 
scientific research and technological innovation .................................................................. 15  
2.  Order of 26 March 2009 on the promotion of research, development and 
innovation .................................................................................................................... ............ 16  
C.  AID FOR COMMERCIAL PROSPECTING  ...................................................................................... 18  
1.  Order of 13 January 1994 on the promotion of foreign trade ............................................ 18  
D.  AID FOR EMPLOYMENT  ............................................................................................................. 19  
1.  Order of 18 March 2004 concerning the approval and funding of local initiatives 
to develop employment and in tegration enterprises ............................................................ 19  
2.  Decree of the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region of 11 March 2004 
amending Articles 53 to 58 of the Royal Decree of 20 December 1963 relating to employment and unemployment ........................................................................................... 19  
E.  I
NLAND NAVIGATION IN THE BRUSSELS -CAPITAL REGION  ...................................................... 20  
1.  Measure aimed at supporting intermodal transport by inland waterway in the 
Brussels-Capital Region ....................................................................................................... .. 20 
F.  SOIL DECONTAMINATION (GREENFIELDS ) ............................................................................... 21  
1.  Aid to the creation of economic activity through the decontamination of polluted 
soil (Greenfi elds) ............................................................................................................ ......... 21  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 3 
 
 
  Page 
 
III. BELGIUM - WALLOON REGION - ANNUAL REPORT 2009 AND 2010 .................... 22  
A.  AID TO SME S ............................................................................................................................ 2 2 
1.  Law of 4 August 1978 on economic reorient ation, as amended by the Decree of 
25 June 1992 - Implementation  Orders of 21 May 1999...................................................... 22  
2.  Decree of 11 March 2004 - Implementation Order of 6 May 2004 ..................................... 23  
B.  AID TO DISADVANTAGED REGIONS  .......................................................................................... 24  
1.  Decree of 11 March 2004 on regional incenti ves in favour of large enterprises - 
Implementation Order of 6 May 2004 ................................................................................... 24  
2.  Aid co-financed by the European Union - European Regional Development 
(ERDF) Programme 2007-2013 ............................................................................................. 25  
C.  RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY AID .......................................................................................... 26  
1.  Decree of 5 July 1990 on aid and action by the Walloon Region to promote 
research and technology, and its Implementation Orders .................................................. 26  
2.  Decree of 3 July 2008 on support for research, development and innovation in 
the Walloon Region ............................................................................................................ ..... 26 
IV.  BELGIUM - FLEMISH REGION - ANN UAL REPORT 2009 AND 2010 ....................... 28  
A.  AID FOR ECONOMIC EXPANSION - DECREE OF 31 J ANUARY  2003  ON THE ECONOMIC 
SUPPORT  POLICY  ...................................................................................................................... 28  
1.  Decision of the Flemish Government of 10 October 2003 regarding the granting 
of aid to small and medium-sized enterprises for investments in the Flemish 
Region (growth premium - EXPIRED) ................................................................................. 28  
2.  Decision of the Flemish Government of 12 December 2003 regarding the 
granting of aid to large enterprises fo r investments in assisted areas in the 
Flemish Region (regional aid map 2000-2006:  EXPIRED) ................................................ 28  
3.  Decision of the Flemish Government of 1 October 2004 regarding the granting of 
aid to enterprises for ecological investments in the Flemish Region - amended by the Decision of the Flemish Government of 16 May 2007 and by the Decision of the Flemish Government of 16 Janua ry 2009 (ecological premium) .................................. 28  
4.  Decision of the Flemish Government of  22 February 2008 regarding strategic 
training or investment programmes for enterprises in the Flemish Region ...................... 29  
B.  A
ID TO ENTERPRISES - DECISION OF THE FLEMISH GOVERNMENT OF 
19 D ECEMBER  2008  REGARDING THE GRANTING OF AID TO SMALL AND 
MEDIUM -SIZED ENTERPRISES FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP ENCOURAGING SERVICES 
(SME  PORTFOLIO , FORMERLY KNOWN AS BUDGET FOR ECONOMIC ADVICE - BEA) ............. 31  
C.  RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT  ................................................................................................ 32  
D.  AID TO THE FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SECTOR  ............................................................... 33  
E.  AID FOR AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT AND NEW ENTERPRISE - FLEMISH 
AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT FUND......................................................................................... 34  
F.  AD HOC TRAINING AID ............................................................................................................. 37  
G.  EMPLOYMENT AID .................................................................................................................... 39  
1.  Decision of the Flemish Government of 28 April 2006 regarding the granting of 
an employment premium 50+ ................................................................................................ 39  
2.  Decision of the Flemish Government of 18 July 2008 regarding the professional 
integration of people with a disability ................................................................................... 40  
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
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  INTRODUCTION 
 Following recent reforms in Belgium, the greater part of investment policy is now 
constitutionally the responsibility of the Flemish,  Walloon and Brussels regions.  Consequently, the 
regions are also responsible for applying legisla tion on economic growth and aiding SMEs in their 
respective areas.  In the Belgian notification of s ubsidies, the evaluation of whether the subsidy is 
"general" or "specific" therefore relates to  the regulations in force in each region. 
 
I. BELGIUM - FEDERAL STATE - ANNUAL REPORT 2009 AND 2010 
A. A
ID FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT  
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Non-repayable subsidies.  2. Total amounts of the subsidies granted in 2009 and 2010 
 
 Projects for which the Federal State is responsible: 
  2009:  Total commitments:  €3,094,425.  2010:  Total commitments:  €3,063,000.  3. Purpose of the subsidy 
  Collective pre-standard research.  4. Duration 
 
 Subsidies cover a one-year period. 
 B. A
ID FOR MARITIME TRANSPORT - TONNAGE TAX 
Articles 115 to 127 of the Programme Law of 2 August 2002, as amended by the 
Programme Law of 27 December 2004, Articles 334 to 348 
 1. Form of the subsidy 
 
Flat-rate determination of profits taxable in Belgium on the basis of the tonnage of vessels. 
 2. Amount in 2009 and 2010 
  2009:  budgetary cost calculated at €250 million.  2010:  no figures available.  3. Policy objective 
 
 To enable Belgium to develop mariti me shipping under the Belgian flag. 
  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 5 
 
 
  4. Duration 
 
 From the taxable period following that in whic h the application was made, until the end of the 
taxable period which comes to a close during the tenth calendar year following that in which the 
application was made. 
 
 At the end of the above period, the scheme is  tacitly renewed for the same length of time. 
 5. Rules and conditions 
 
 The Programme Law of 2 August 2002 provides for a series of fiscal measures in favour of 
maritime transport in Belgium:  
(a) A presumptive tax regime based on tonnage for shipping companies; 
(b) a set of measures in favour of shipping companies that have not opted for 
tonnage-based presumptive taxation, comprising accelerated depreciation, capital 
gains exemption on the sale of vessels, exem ption subject to conditions of reuse, and 
tax deductions on the purchase of vessels; 
(c) abolition of the ship mortgage registration fee; (d) a tonnage-based presumptive tax regime for ship management companies acting on 
behalf of third parties, where the latter provide services to ship-owners. 
 The tonnage-based presumptive tax regime (1) cons ists in replacing, in the case of shipping 
companies opting for this regime, the tax base used to calculate corporation tax by a fixed amount determined on the basis of the tonnage of the fleet  concerned.  This regime lays down no conditions 
regarding the flag of vessels.  
A similar mechanism is available to vessel managers acting on behalf of a third party. 
 C. T
AX MEASURES TO PROMOTE THE PRODUCTION OF AUDIOVISUAL WORKS - TAX SHELTER 
REGIME EXTENSION  
Articles 128 to 129 of the Programme Law of 2 August 2002 inserting Article 194 ter into 
the Income Tax Code of 1992, replaced by Article 291 of the Programme Law of 
22 December 2003 and amended by Articl e 2 of the Law of 17 May 2004 
 
1. Form of the subsidy 
  Tax incentive. 
 
2. Amount 
  2009:  budgetary cost calculated at €45.8 million.  2010:  no figures available.  
3. Policy objective 
 
 Tax incentive in the cultural field aimed at supporting the production and creation of Belgian audiovisual works.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 6  
 
  4. Duration 
 
 Entered into force in the 2004 tax year.  5. Rules and conditions 
  Exemption of the taxable profits of a company wishing to invest in an audiovisual production (up to 150 per cent of the amounts actually invested).  D. E
XCISE DUTY ON ENERGY PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICITY  
Programme Law of 27 December 2004 (Articles 419 and 420, paragraphs 5 and 6).  The 
reduced rates granted on the basis of environmental permits are governed by Article 17, paragraph 2, of Council Directive 2003/96/EC  restructuring the Community framework 
for the taxation of energy products and electricity. 
 1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 The aid granted consists of a reduction of or an exemption from excise duties.  2. Amount in 2009 and 2010 
 
 As these are reduced rates,  no information is available on the amount involved in their 
implementation.  Only the number of environmenta l permits is known, but this cannot be used to 
determine the exact amount of the total reduction in excise revenue.  3. Policy objective 
  The tax measures apply to the professional c onsumption of energy-intensive enterprises 
engaged in economic activity involving production, trading or the provision of services, including 
mining and agricultural activities and liberal professions.  4. Duration 
  The reduced excise rates provided for in  Article 419 of the Programme Law of 
27 December 2004 have been in force since 1 Janua ry 2005.  The scheme is valid for ten years from 
the date of its entry into force.  
5. Rules and conditions 
 
 The aid granted consists of a reduction of or  an exemption from excise duties for enterprises 
which have concluded an environmental agreement. 
  In this case, energy-intensive enterprises holding an environmental permit are granted a 
zero rate, while a reduced rate (normally 50 per cen t) is applied to other enterprises which hold such 
a permit.   G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 7 
 
 
  E. REDUCED EXCISE RATES FOR BIOFUELS  
Reduced excise rates for biofuels, Programme Law of 11 July 2005 (Chapter 1, Title V) 
 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 The aid is granted in the form of a reduction in the excise rate. 
 2. Amount in 2009 and 2010 
  2009:  the total amount of the excise duty reduction granted is €100,332,414 (€37,885,772 for 
petrol and €62,446,642 for diesel). 
  2010:  the total amount of the excise duty reduction granted is €239,432,939 (€72,958,911 for petrol and €166,474,028 for diesel).  
3. Policy objective 
 
 This aid scheme aims to protect the environment by encouraging the placing on the market of biofuels through the grant of a reduction in excise duty.   The reduction of excise duty allows fuels from a renewable source to compete with fuels of 
fossil origin, the cost price of which is significantly lower. 
  The purpose of the aid is to compensate fo r the difference between the production costs and 
the market price of renewable energy.  
4. Duration 
 
 The duration of the scheme is limited to six years.  5. Rules and conditions 
 
 The aid is granted in the form of a reduction in  the excise rate when the fuel is released for 
domestic consumption.   The reduction of the excise rate for bioetha nol and biodiesel is granted in the form of 
a reduction in the excise rate applicable to mixtures of fossils/renewable fuels in relation to the rate 
applicable to pure fossil fuels which the biofuels substitute. 
  The fossil fuels concerned are:  
- Unleaded petrol: 
 With an octane level of 98 or a lower sulphur and aromatics content;  or 
 with an octane level lower than 98;  and 
- diesel with a sulphur content not exceeding 50 mg/kg. 
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 8  
 
  F. M
EASURES OF PARTIAL EXEMPTION FROM PROFESSIONAL WITHHOLDING TAX TO 
PROMOTE  R&D 
Law on the Solidarity Pact between Generations (Generation Pact) of 
23 December 2005, in particular Articl es 106, 109, 110 and 113 (Official Journal 
(Moniteur Belge ) of 30 December 2005).  Art. 275§3-2 of CIR92. 
 
1. Form of the subsidy 
  Exemption from payment of 50 per cent of the professional withholding tax on the part of the 
employer. 
 
2. Amount in 2009 and 2010 
  For 2009:  the budgetary cost is €453,787 million.  For 2010:  no figures available. 
 
3. Policy objective 
  Promotion of R&D activities by reducing scientific staff costs.  4. Duration 
  The scheme has an initial duration of five years.   An assessment will be made after that time:  
if the results are positive, the measure w ill be renewed for a further five years. 
 5. Rules and conditions 
  The beneficiaries of the measure are companies which meet the definition of "Young Innovative Company" and which pay or assign salari es to their scientific personnel, employed as 
salaried staff within the company.   The exemption amounts to 50 per cent of the professional withholding tax applied to salaries 
paid as from 1 July 2006. 
  N.B.:  However, the other exemptions from payment  of professional withholding tax for the 
employment of researchers assigned to research projects, including partnership projects with 
universities or institutes of higher education, a re classified as a general measure rather than 
State aid.  
 
G. S
HORT -TERM EXPORT -CREDIT INSURANCE (BELGACAP ) 
Royal Decree of 2 July 2009 on implementation of the Belgacap scheme, confirming the 
Decision of the Council of Ministers of 29 May 2009.  Insurance Code (Articles L4321 and L4322) 
 
1. Form of the subsidy 
  Guarantee - direct subsidy.   G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 9 
 
 
  2. Amount in 2009 and 2010 
 
 2009:  commitments totalling €34,080,518.85.  2010:  commitments totalling €144,132,773.83.  
3. Policy objective 
 
 To avoid a serious disturbance in the Belgia n economy which would result from the failure of 
the export-credit insurance market.  
4. Duration 
 
 No longer in force;  expired 31 December 2010.  5. Rules and conditions 
  The Belgian authorities provide short-term expor t-credit insurance to en terprises established 
in Belgium, when no private market cover is available.   This measure satisfies the following criteria in particular:  
 The necessary cover has ceased to be ava ilable on the private insurance market 
because of the financial crisis.  In accord ance with the Temporary Framework and the 
Commission Communication on short-term e xport-credit insurance, the unavailability 
of cover for the risk in the private insu rance market has been duly demonstrated; 
 
 the premiums payable under the public sch eme are aligned on those charged on the 
private market.  The premiums are fixed at  a level which will encourage exporters to 
use private insurers as soon as adequate cover becomes available on the private 
market. 
 
II. BELGIUM - BRUSSELS-CAPITAL REGI ON - ANNUAL REPORT 2009 AND 2010 
A. A
ID FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH  
1. Order of 13 December 2007 on aid for the promotion of economic growth in favour of 
micro, small and medium-sized enterprises 
(a) Organizational Order of 13 December 2007 on aid for the promotion of economic 
growth in favour of micro, small and me dium-sized enterprises, replacing the Order 
of 1 April 2004 (part on general investment). 
 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Financial aid is granted in the form of an investment premium.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 10  
 
  2. Total amount of aid granted in 2009 
 
Legislation Number of 
decisions taken Subsidized amount 
of investment 
(€) Amount 
decided 
(€) Average 
rate of aid 
Order of 13 December 2007 260 57,543,160 8,888,157 15.45% 
 
 Total amount of aid granted in 2010 
 
Legislation Number of 
decisions taken Subsidized amount 
of investment 
(€) Amount 
decided 
(€) Average 
rate of aid 
Order of 13 December 2007 526 163,107,638.22 24,618,644 15.09% 
 
4. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
  Aid in respect of general investment by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in the 
Brussels-Capital Region is now governed by the content of the Organizational Order of 
13 December 2007 on aid for the promotion of economic growth (implemented on 15 August 2008 by the Government Decree of 26 June 20 08 on aid for general investment). 
  Aid is granted in the form of an investment premium.  
 It may be supplemented by a temporary exem ption from the advance levy on income from 
immovable assets and by accelerated depreciation.   The rate of the subsidy varies between 2.5 per cent and 35 per cen t of an amount equal to half 
of the investment. 
 
 The scale of the aid actually depends on three factors:  
 The size of the enterprise; 
 
 whether it is situated within or outside the development zone; 
 
 the fulfilment of employment and economic policy criteria. 
  It consists of basic aid and two additional typ es of aid.  The basic aid depends on whether the 
enterprise is situated within or outside a devel opment zone.  The additiona l aid is dependent on the 
fulfilment of certain economic policy objectives.  The amount of the aid is graduated, based on the 
size of the enterprise.  
5. Duration of aid 
 
6. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 In terms of budgetary implications, 60 per cent of investment subsidies was allocated 
to dossiers submitted by industrial and handicraft enterprises; 
 
 40 per cent was allocated to dossiers submitte d by commercial or service enterprises. 
  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 11 
 
 
  (b) Organizational Order of 13 December 2007 on aid for the promotion of economic 
growth in favour of micro, small and me dium-sized enterprises, replacing the Order 
of 1 July 1993 (part on aid for pre start-up activities, studies and advice). 
 1. Form of the subsidy 
  Financial aid is granted in the form of an investment premium.  2. Total amount of aid granted in 2009 
 
Type of 
Investment  Number of 
programmes  Subsidized 
amount 
(€) Amount of 
premiums 
(€) Average 
rate of aid  
Advice 181 2,807,504 1,403,752 50% 
Studies 59 960,434 480,217 50% 
Pre start-up activities 8 73,350 36,675 50% 
TOTAL 248 3,841,288 1,920,644 50% 
 
3. Total amount of aid granted in 2010 
 
Type of 
Investment  Number of 
programmes  Subsidized 
amount 
(€) Amount of 
premiums 
(€) Average 
rate of aid  
Advice 213 3,570,896 1,712,543 48% 
Studies 53 819,064 349,035 42.6% 
Pre start-up activities 13 111,780 53,140 47.5% 
TOTAL 279 4,501,740 2,114,718 47% 
 
2. Order of 1 July 1993 on the promotion of  economic growth in the Brussels-Capital 
Region 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Financial aid is granted in the form of an investment premium.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 12  
 
  2. Total amount of the subsidies granted in 2009 
 
Type of 
Investment  Number of 
programmes  Subsidized 
amount 
(€) Amount of 
premiums 
(€) Average rate of 
aid 
Specific investment     
- Rational energy use 17 2,619,946.46 523,468 19.98% 
- Rational water use 3 88,495.92 17,698 20% 
- Rational use of raw materials 9 2,122,238.62 421,386 19.86% 
- Environmental protection 9 1,103,858.79 219,094 19.85% 
- Adaptation to European 
standards 1 67,899.36 10,184 19.85% 
TOTAL (Specific investments) 39 6,002,439.15 1,191,830  
Use of consultancy services     
Studies 5 71,779 35,089 48.9% 
Advice 10 285,040 138,520 48.6% 
TOTAL (Consultancy) 15 356,819 173,609  
 
3. Total amount of the subsidies granted in 2010 
 
Type of 
Investment  Number of 
programmes  Subsidized 
amount 
(€) Amount of 
premiums 
(€) Average rate of 
aid 
Specific investment     
- Rational energy use 2 425,683.93 84,318 19.81% 
- Rational water use 0 0 0  
- Rational use of raw materials 3 1,965,076.05 393,015 20% 
- Environmental protection 8 11,303,922.78 1,991,368 17.62% 
- Adaptation to European 
standards 1 5,232,842.53 350,000 6.69% 
TOTAL (Specific investments) 14 18,927,525.29 2,818,701  
 
4. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
 The policy objective of the Order of 1 July 1993 is to promote economic growth by granting financial aid to industrial or commercial enterprises that invest in the Brussels-Capital Region.  This 
legislation is an organizational order aimed at gr ouping together under a single regulation all aid for 
the promotion of economic growth. 
  Aid for general investment, which is covered in  this chapter, is granted in the form of 
investment premiums.   The amount of this aid depends on the enterprise's  sector of activity, its size and the type of 
investment: 
 
 Enterprises of any size may benefit from aid for "specific" investment for the purpose 
of: 
- Saving energy, water or raw materials;  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 13 
 
 
  - protecting the environment; 
- adapting to European standards. 
 
 Medium-sized enterprises (maximum 250 em ployees and turnover of €40 million) 
may benefit from aid for "general" investment. 
 
 Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) may benefit from aid for 
consultancy and training services. 
 5. Duration of the subsidy and/or an y other time-limits attached to it 
 
 Depending on the amount of the premium and the duration of the investment programme, the 
premium is paid in one, two or three annual tranches. 
 6. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 Not available. 
 
3. Order of 1 April 2004 on regional aid for general investment in favour of micro, small 
and medium-sized enterprises (entered in to force on 15 November 2005), replacing the 
Law of 4 August 1978 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Financial aid is granted in the form of an interest subsidy or an investment premium, 
depending on the method of financing of the inv estment programme under the Order of 1 April 2004. 
 2. Total amount of aid granted in 2009 
 
 Interest subsidy (in €) 
 
Legislation Number of 
decisions takenSubsidized amount 
of investment Amount 
decided Average 
rate of aid 
Order of 1 April 2004 224 71,502,676 9,788,526 13.69% 
 
 Investment premium (in €) 
 
Legislation Number of 
decisions takenSubsidized amount 
of investment Amount 
decided Average 
rate of aid 
Order of 1 April 2004 250 73,881,330 10,493,692 14.20% 
 
3. Total amount of aid granted in 2010 
  Interest subsidy (in €) 
 
Legislation Number of 
decisions 
taken Subsidized amount 
of investment Amount 
decided Average 
rate of aid 
Order of 1 April 2004 17 28,110,839.58 5,444,897 19.37% 
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 14  
 
   Investment premium (in €) 
 
Legislation Number of 
decisions 
taken Subsidized amount 
of investment Amount 
decided Average 
rate of aid 
Order of 1 April 2004 39 58,269,471.18 8,166,788 14.02% 
 
4. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
  The aim of the Order of 1 April 2004 is to  promote investment by micro, small and 
medium-sized enterprises in accordance with the European Commission recommendation of 
6 May 2003 concerning the definition of enterprises,  and it replaces the Law of 4 August 1978, which 
was repealed on 14 November 2005. 
 Aid is granted in the form of: 
 
 An interest subsidy where the investment is financed by a fixed-term credit; 
 
 an investment premium where the investment is self-financed. 
  Two additional types of tax concession may also be granted:  
 Accelerated (double straight-line) depreciation during three successive financial 
years; 
 
 exemption from the advance levy on income from immovable assets. 
  The scale of the aid depends on various criteria and ranges from 5 to 25 per cent.  
5. Duration of aid 
 
 The interest subsidy represents a percentage of the admissible investment.  It may be limited to the amount of the interest actually paid by the be neficiary.  It is paid in three tranches representing 
50 per cent, 30 per cent and 20 per cent of the aid, r espectively, and spread over three financial years. 
 
 Up to 13 March 2008, the capital premium was paid  in one payment.  After that date, it was 
paid in two equal tranches divide d between two financial years. 
  The duration of the accelerated depreciation is fixed at three years.  
 The duration of the exemption from the advan ce levy on income from immovable assets may 
be as long as five years maximum.  6. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 In terms of budgetary implications, 60 per cent of investment subsidies was allocated 
to dossiers submitted by industrial and handicraft enterprises; 
 
 40 per cent was allocated to dossiers submitte d by commercial or service enterprises. 
  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 15 
 
 
  B. AID FOR RESEARCH , DEVELOPMENT AND INNOVATION  
1. Order of 21 February 2002 concerning the encouragement and financing of scientific 
research and technological innovation 
(a) Subsidies for basic industrial research 
 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Non-repayable subsidy.  2. Total amount of aid granted 
  Commitments : 
 2009:  €2,745,525 
 Or ten new projects run by ten enterprises 
 Disbursements:  €4,851,222.43 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
 To strengthen basic industrial research by regional enterprises.  4. Duration of the subsidy 
 
 Two years per subsidy. 
 5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 Basic industrial research and, as such, not quantifiable in the medium or short term. 
 
(b) Pre-competitive development 
 1. Form of the subsidy 
  Interest-free loans repayable upon marketing. 
 
2. Total amount of aid granted 
  Commitments : 
 2009:  €3,629,089 
 Or eight new projects in 2008 run by eight enterprises . 
 Disbursements:  €2,797,658.18 
 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
  To promote regional development throug h the creation of new products, processes 
or services. 
 4. Duration of the subsidy 
  One to five years. 
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 16  
 
  5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 Maintaining and developing comp etitive activities by regional enterprises, not quantifiable in 
the short term.  
(c) Pre-competitive development 
 1. Form of the subsidy 
  Non-repayable subsidy. 
 
2. Total amount of aid granted 
  Commitments : 
 2009:  €3,843,836 
 Or 22 new projects run by 20 enterprises . 
 Disbursements:  €4,406,511.56 
 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
  To promote regional development through the creation of new products, processes or 
services. 
 4. Duration of the subsidy 
  One to five years. 
 
5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 Maintaining and developing comp etitive activities by regional enterprises, not quantifiable in 
the short term.  2. Order of 26 March 2009 on the promotion of research, development and innovation 
(a) Subsidies for industrial research 
 1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Non-repayable subsidy. 
 2. Total amount of aid granted 
  Commitments : 
 2010:  €4,985,661  Or 18 new projects run by 17 enterprises 
 Disbursements:  €3,786,656 
 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
 To strengthen basic industrial research by Brussels enterprises. 
  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 17 
 
 
  4. Duration of the subsidy 
 
 12 to 36 months.  5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 Basic industrial research and, as such, not quantifiable in the medium or short term.  
(b) Aid for experimental developm ent, in the form of subsidies 
 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Non-repayable subsidy.  2. Total amount of aid granted 
  Commitments : 
 2010:  €5,062,956 
 Or 28 new projects run by 28 enterprises 
 Disbursements:  €3,138,036 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
 To promote regional development throug h the creation of new products, processes 
or services.  4. Duration of the subsidy 
  Three to 24 months.  5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 Maintaining and developing co mpetitive activities by Brussels enterprises, not quantifiable in 
the short term. 
 
(c) Aid for experimental development, in the form of repayable advances 
 1. Form of the subsidy 
  Interest-free loans repayable upon marketing.  2. Total amount of aid granted 
  Commitments : 
 2010:  €2,279,067 
 Or six new projects run by six enterprises . 
 Disbursements:  €2,652,854 
 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
  To promote regional development throug h the creation of new products, processes 
or services.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 18  
 
  4. Duration of the subsidy 
 
 Three to 24 months.  5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 Maintaining and developing co mpetitive activities by Brussels enterprises, not quantifiable in 
the short term.  C. A
ID FOR COMMERCIAL PROSPECTING  
1. Order of 13 January 1994 on the promotion of foreign trade 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Subsidies for : 
 
 The first participation in international trade fairs abroad; 
 collaboration of foreign trade experts. 
 2. Total amount of commitments in 2009 (in €) 
 
 Number of dossiers Total amount of commitments 
Trade fair subsidies 154 289,288.20 
Subsidies for collaboration of experts 18 85,516.66 
TOTAL 172 374,804.86 
 
 Total amount of commitments in 2010 (in €) 
 
 Number of dossiers Total amount of commitments 
Trade fair subsidies 32 62,771.68 
Subsidies for collaboration of experts 14 61,101.50 
TOTAL 46 123,873.18 
 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
 Support for commercial prospecting efforts by small and medium-sized enterprises in 
the Region.  4. Duration of the subsidy 
 
 Ad hoc aid. 
 5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 Not available. 
  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 19 
 
 
  D. AID FOR EMPLOYMENT  
1. Order of 18 March 2004 concerning the approv al and funding of local initiatives to 
develop employment and integration enterprises 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
Non-repayable subsidy. 
 2. Total amount of aid granted in 2009 
 
Commitments:  €5,000,000. 
 Disbursements:  €4,606,971.42. 
  Total amount of aid granted in 2010 
  Commitments:  €5,544,799.58. 
 Disbursements:  €5,303,000. 
 3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
  To permit the funding of social integration enterprises and local employment development initiatives.  The subsides aim to cover operational e xpenses and the salary expenses of managerial and 
non-managerial staff. 
 4. Duration of the subsidy 
  Subsidies are granted for four years. 
 
5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 Up to 31 December 2009, from a total of 78 dossiers, 1,018 people (full-time equivalents) 
working in local development initiatives and in tegration enterprises had benefited from this 
legislation. 
 
 Up to 15 February 2011, from a total of 84 dossiers, 2,267 people (full-time equivalents) 
working in local development initiatives and in tegration enterprises had benefited from this 
legislation.  2. Decree of the Government of the Brussels- Capital Region of 11 March 2004 amending 
Articles 53 to 58 of the Royal Decree of 20 December 1963 relating to employment and unemployment 
1. Form of vocational transition 
 
 Employment premium. 
 
2. Total amount of aid granted in 2009 
  Commitments:  €188,375.  Disbursements:  €139,125. 
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 20  
 
   Total amount of aid granted in 2010 
 
 Commitments:  €81,125.  Disbursements:  €77,500.  
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
 
 To enable disadvantaged jobseekers to be empl oyed on the basis of contracts of indefinite 
duration (or fixed-term contracts in the case of a certain category of beneficiaries), while providing 
them with vocational on-the-job training in order to increase their employability. 
 
4. Duration of the subsidy 
  Subsidies are granted for four years.  
5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 In 2009:  66 jobseekers gained employment under this measure.  In 2010:  56 jobseekers gained employment under this measure.  E. I
NLAND NAVIGATION IN THE BRUSSELS -CAPITAL REGION  
1. Measure aimed at supporting intermodal transport by inland waterway in the 
Brussels-Capital Region 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Subsidies (€17.50 per Intermodal Transport Unit). 
 
2. Total amount of aid granted in 2010 
  Commitments = Disbursements:  €269,167.50.  3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
  The final beneficiaries of the aid are shi ppers who use inland waterways for container 
transport.  The aid is granted via container terminal operators located in Brussels.  4. Duration of the subsidy 
  From 01/01/2010 to 31/12/2012.  5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
 In 2010, only one container terminal operato r was active in the Brussels-Capital Region.  
A total of 19 shippers benefited from this aid. 
  In 2009, the volume of containers transported by inland waterway was 13,548 TEU.  In 2010, 
the volume was 17,989 TEU, i.e. an increase of 34 per cent.   G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 21 
 
 
  F. SOIL DECONTAMINATION (GREENFIELDS ) 
1. Aid to the creation of economic activity th rough the decontamination of polluted soil 
(Greenfields) 
 Decision of 18 December 2008 (Record 200837) approving the Brussels Greenfields 
project in an amount of €14,955,235. 
 
 Order of 26/11/2009 approving subsidizati on of €7,423,913 out of the €14,955,235 
previously approved. 
 1. Form of the subsidy 
  Financial aid is granted in the form of a s ubsidy consisting of a percentage (which varies 
depending on the quality of treatment) of the deco ntamination costs incurred by economic project 
developers.  2. Total amount of aid granted in 2010 
 
Legislation Number of decisions 
taken Subsidized amount of 
investment Amount 
decided Average 
rate of aid 
See above 2 1,333,703 754,745 57% 
 
3. Policy objective and/or purpose of the subsidy 
  Brussels Greenfields is an ERDF project aimed at promoting employment and economic activities by offering aid for the treatment of soil pollution for which liability cannot be established, 
on land situated in the Priority Intervention Zone (ZIP) of the Brussels-Capital Region. 
 
 Aid is granted in the form of: 
 
 A subsidy consisting of a percentage ( 50 per cent, 65 per cent or 75 per cent 
depending on the results of the decontamination process) of the decontamination costs; 
 
 the reimbursement of expenses incurred for applications which are credible but are 
not selected by Brussels Greenfields (this option was not used in financial year 2010). 
 4. Duration of the aid 
  Expenditure by the candidates selected by Br ussels Greenfields can be reimbursed up to the 
end of 2014. 
 
5. Statistical data permitting an assessmen t of the trade effects of the subsidy 
 
Because of the nature of the early projects selected , to date the beneficiaries of this aid have 
been public interest entities. 
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 22  
 
  III. BELGIUM - WALLOON REGION - ANNUAL REPORT 2009 AND 2010 
A. A
ID TO SME S 
1. Law of 4 August 1978 on economic reorientation, as amended by the Decree of 
25 June 1992 - Implementation Orders of 21 May 1999 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Investment premium (non-repayable premium)  irrespective of the investment financing 
method.  Investments eligible to receive a premium are those in tangible and intangible fixed assets. 
  Exemption from the advance levy on income from immovable assets (maximum five years) 
for investment in immovable assets, including investment in real property and fixtures. 
  Accelerated depreciation over a maximum of three successive taxable periods for investment in tangible fixed assets.  Exemption from the graduated registration duty on capital inflow. 
 
2. 2009 budget 
 
 The budget amounted to €0.3 million.  The premiums are awarded on the basis of a review of previous requests. 
 2010 budget 
 
 No premiums were awarded in 2010. 
 3. Policy objective 
  The incentives created to assist  the socio-economic development of the Walloon Region are 
awarded under contracts between the Walloon Region a nd any natural or legal person that undertakes 
to carry out one of more operations aimed at ach ieving sustainable development and promoting job 
creation.  The incentives are only awarded if they  make a decisive contribution to achieving 
these aims.   In practical terms, the premiums are awarded in order to encourage investment by small and 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  An SME is an  enterprise with a payroll not exceeding 250 people 
and a turnover not exceeding €40 million or an an nual balance sheet total not exceeding €27 million. 
  The premiums are awarded to SMEs in the indus trial, handicraft, tourism, trade and services 
sectors. 
 
 The scheme applies throughout the territory of  the Walloon Region for all enterprises meeting 
the SME criteria.   The scheme is therefore not specific, except that it only applies to SMEs. 
 
4. Duration 
 
 No time-limit was set for the implementati on of the scheme and its budget was adopted 
annually.  It ended, however, on 30 June 2004 following the adopti on of the Decree of 11 March 2004 
(see 3.1.2). 
  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 23 
 
 
   In 2009, some dossiers remained to be reviewed on the basis of these regulations. 
 
2. Decree of 11 March 2004 - Implementation Order of 6 May 2004 
1. Form of the subsidy 
 
 Investment premium (non-repayable premium)  irrespective of the investment financing 
method.  Investments eligible to receive a premium are those in tangible and intangible fixed assets. 
  Exemption from the advance levy on income from immovable assets (maximum five years, although this may be increased to seven years for e quipment in the case of the creation of SMEs) for 
investment in immovable assets, including in vestment in real property and fixtures. 
 2. 2009 budget 
  The 2009 budget amounted to €130.537 million. 
 The premiums are awarded for a wide ra nge of projects and sectors of activity. 
 2010 budget 
 
 The 2010 budget amounted to €121.471 million.  The premiums are awarded for a wide ra nge of projects and sectors of activity. 
3. Policy objective 
 
 The incentives created to assist  the socio-economic development of the Walloon Region are 
awarded, via a grant decision by the Walloon Region, to any natural or legal person that undertakes to 
carry out one or more operations aimed at achie ving sustainable development and promoting job 
creation.  The incentives are only awarded if they make a decisive contribution to achieving these 
aims. 
  In practical terms, the premiums are awarded in order to encourage investment by small and 
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).  An SME is an  enterprise with a payroll not exceeding 250 people 
and a turnover not exceeding €50 million or an an nual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million. 
 
 The premiums are awarded to SMEs in the indus trial, handicraft, tourism, trade and services 
sectors.   The scheme applies throughout the territory of  the Walloon Region for all enterprises meeting 
the SME criteria. 
 
 The scheme is therefore not specific, except that it applies only to SMEs. 
 4. Duration 
  No time-limit has been fixed for the implemen tation of the scheme and the budget is adopted 
annually. 
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 24  
 
  B. A
ID TO DISADVANTAGED REGIONS  
1. Decree of 11 March 2004 on regional incen tives in favour of large enterprises - 
Implementation Order of 6 May 2004 
 This scheme replaces the law of 30 Dece mber 1970, as amended by the Decree of 
25 June 1992.  It entered into force fo r any request submitted after 1 July 2004. 
 
1. Form of the subsidy 
  Investment premium (non-repayable premium)  irrespective of the investment financing 
method.  Investments eligible to receive a premium are those in tangible and intangible fixed assets. 
 
 Exemption from the advance levy on income  from immovable assets (maximum seven years) 
for investment in immovable assets, including investment in real property and fixtures.  2. 2009 budget 
  The budget amounted to €15 million.  The premiums are awarded for a wide ra nge of projects and sectors of activity. 
  2010 budget 
 
 The budget amounted to €13.83 million. 
 The premiums are awarded for a wide ra nge of projects and sectors of activity. 
 3. Policy objective 
 
 In order to assist the sustainable developm ent of the Region, the Government, within the 
specific budgetary limits set annually, may gran t incentives to large enterprises which have 
operational headquarters situated in a development zone in the Walloon Region and which have an 
investment programme significantly contributing to su stainable development.  Such investments must 
not compromise the balance between the econom ic, social and environmental components of 
sustainable development.  The incentives must be necessary for the implementation of the investment 
programme. 
  In order to assess the importance of an inv estment programme in relation to sustainable 
development, the Government takes into particul ar consideration the nature of the investment 
programme, its stage of development, the field of activity in which it operates and the economic 
environment in which it is implemented. 
  The arrangements for granting the incentive ar e the subject of an agreement concluded 
between the parties.   The incentives are granted in accordance with European Community regulations and, in 
particular, the Multisectoral Community Framework on regional aid for large investment projects, the 
guidelines concerning State aid in the agricultural sector, those concerning regional State aid in conformity with the ceilings set by the European  Commission decision approving the eligible areas 
map for Belgium and other Community rules adopted under the provisions set forth in Articles 87 and 89 of the Treaty establishing the European Community. 
 
 The incentives provided for by the present Decree may be combined with aid from 
European structural funds.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 25 
 
 
   
4. Duration 
  No time-limit has been fixed for the implemen tation of the scheme and the budget is adopted 
annually.  Pursuant to the existing European rules on regional aid, however, it has a limited period of 
validity expiring on 31 December 2013. 
 
2. Aid co-financed by the European Union - European Regional Development (ERDF) 
Programme 2007-2013 
 Decree of 11 March 2004 on regional incentiv es in favour of large enterprises.  
Implementation Order of 6 May 2004, as amended by the Order of 17 January 2008. 
 
 Decree of 11 March 2004 on regional incentiv es in favour of small and medium-sized 
enterprises.  
 These Orders of 17 January 2008 introdu ced a scheme of assistance relating to the 
"Convergence" and "Competitiveness and Employment " programmes for large enterprises and SMEs. 
 1. Form of the subsidy 
  Regional aid is co-financed by the European Union (ERDF).  The aid takes the form of an 
investment premium as described in points 3.1.1(a) and 3.2.1(a). 
 2. 2009 budget (regional component) 
  The budget amounted to €37.30 million.  The premiums are awarded for a wide range of 
projects and sectors of activity (divided among 16 eligible fields of activity). 
  2010 budget (regional component) 
  The budget amounted to €51.87 million.  The premiums are awarded for a wide range of projects and sectors of activity (divided among 16 eligible fields of activity). 
 
3. Policy objective 
  The same as under point 3.1.1(c) and 3.2.1(c), except that there are specific sectoral requirements and a minimum number of jobs to be created (five or ten units depending on the size of 
the enterprise). 
 4. Duration 
  The scheme is set to cover the period 2007-2013.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 26  
 
  C. R
ESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY AID 
1. Decree of 5 July 1990 on aid and action by the Walloon Region to promote research and 
technology, and its Implementation Orders 
Walloon Government Decree of 29 September 1994 defining a "small or medium-sized 
enterprise" with a view to granting aid and taking action to promote research and technology. 
Walloon Government Decree of 29 September 1994 on aid and action to promote research 
and technology. 
 
The Decree of 5 July 1990 and its im plementation orders were repealed on 
26 November 2008, the date of entry into force of  a new scheme based on the Decree of 3 July 2008 
on support for research, development and innova tion in the Walloon Region and its implementation 
order of 18 September 2008.  
2. Decree of 3 July 2008 on support for re search, development and innovation in the 
Walloon Region 
Walloon Government Decree of 18 September 2008 on support for research, development and 
innovation in the Walloon Region. 
 
1. Form of the aid 
 
(a) Subsidies for industrial research activities by enterprises; 
(b) subsidies for experimental development activities by enterprises; 
(c) repayable advances for experimental development activities by enterprises; (d) subsidies for technical feasibility studies for small and medium-sized enterprises, and 
for non-autonomous enterprises of small to medium size; 
(e) industrial property rights subsidies for small and medium-sized enterprises; 
(f) subsidies for young innovative small enterprises; 
(g) subsidies for process innovations in the services of small and medium-sized 
enterprises and non-autonomous enterprises of small to medium size; 
(h) subsidies for organizational innovations in the services of small and medium-sized 
enterprises and non-autonomous enterprises of small to medium size; 
(i) subsidies for innovation advisory servi ces and innovation support services for small 
and medium-sized enterprises; 
(j) subsidies for the temporary employment of staff for small and medium-sized 
enterprises; 
(k) subsidies for international partnerships  for small and medium-sized enterprises.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 27 
 
 
  2. 2009 and 2010 budgets (in €) 
 
 The amount of aid consists of  a percentage of the admissibl e expenditure for the accepted 
project.  
Form of aid Budget total in 2009 Budget total in 2010 
a. 56,024,767.20 44,883,244.79 
b. 12,703,711.36 16,015,515.78 
c. 41,538,738.88 34,783,952.75 
d. 1,678,698.27 1,180,922.47 
e. 2,225,125.61 2,358,217.69 
f. 1,969,065.00 636,518.34 
g. 0 0 
h. 0 0 
i. 104,335.05 465,647.48 
j. 0 0 
k. 339,739.15 378,721.38 
TOTAL 116,584,180.52 100,702,740.68 
 3. Policy objective 
  This is horizontal aid designed to promot e research and development and to encourage 
innovation.  It is available to all economic sectors.  
 The aid is not granted automatically, but depends on an assessment of the quality of the 
project by the administrative services and, in the case of  aid awarded on the basis of calls for projects, 
by independent international experts.   Where the aid consists of a repayable advance,  the beneficiary enterprise pays it back in the 
form of regular payments if it has decided to e xploit the results of the research industrially or 
commercially. 
4. Duration 
 
 The budget for R&D aid is adopted annually by the Walloon Parliament.  
 The duration of aid corresponds to the duration of the research work or the study financed. 
 5. Statistical data 
  The aid has an impact on trade because it may lead to the marketing of innovative products, 
processes or services.  However its impact is difficult to isolate from the many other factors affecting 
trade, and is therefore difficult to evaluate statistically.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 28  
 
  IV. BELGIUM - FLEMISH REGION - ANNUAL REPORT 2009 AND 2010 
A. A
ID FOR ECONOMIC EXPANSION - DECREE OF 31 J ANUARY  2003  ON THE ECONOMIC 
SUPPORT  POLICY  
 The Decree of 31 January 2003 is the new Fl emish legal basis for most aid schemes and 
replaces the old economic expansion laws of 30 D ecember 1970 and 4 August 1978 and the Decree of 
15 December 1993, which have all expired. 
  New aid schemes are implemented on the basis of this Decree.  
1. Decision of the Flemish Government of 10 October 2003 regarding the granting of aid to 
small and medium-sized enterprises for in vestments in the Flemish Region (growth 
premium - EXPIRED) 
2. Decision of the Flemish Government of 12 December 2003 regarding the granting of aid 
to large enterprises for invest ments in assisted areas in the Flemish Region (regional aid 
map 2000-2006:  EXPIRED) 
3. Decision of the Flemish Government of 1 October 2004 regarding the granting of aid to 
enterprises for ecological investments in the Flemish Region - amended by the Decision of the Flemish Government of 16 May 2007 and by the Decision of the Flemish Government of 16 January 2009 (ecological premium) 
1. Form of aid 
 
 This scheme is aimed at investment aid, but  exclusively for ecological investments, as 
originally defined by the EU Commission in its fra mework for State aid in favour of the environment 
(OJ, 3/2/2001, C 37), and was notified to, a nd approved by, the European Commission.  The 
2009 revision is based on the General Block Ex emption Regulation (GBER) No. 800/2008 of the 
European Commission (OJ, 9/8/2008, L 214). 
 
2. Amount of aid in 2009 and 2010 
  In 2009, the Flemish Government granted aid for ecological investments based on this new 
scheme for a total budget of €115.87 million.  
 In 2010, the Flemish Government grante d aid for a total budget of €118.03 million. 
 3. Objectives of the aid 
  The Flemish Government agrees with the overa ll aim of reduction and reorientation of aid 
measures towards more horizontal objectives.  The pr omotion of ecological investments is a valuable 
tool in achieving that goal.  4. Time-frame 
  The original Decision of the Flemish Govern ment of 1 October 2004 came into force on 
29 October 2004.  The scheme was amended by th e Decisions of the Flemish Government of 
16 May 2007 and 16 January 2009 .  On 17 December 2010 the Flemish Government replaced this 
scheme by a very similar aid scheme, which came into force on 1 February 2011.   G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 29 
 
 
  5. Statistics 
 
 There are no statistics available which could contri bute to the evaluation of the effects of this 
aid scheme on WTO commerce and trade.  
6. Legal base 
 
 The Decree of 31 January 2003 on the ec onomic support policy and its implementing 
Decisions of the Flemish Government (e.g. Decision of 1 October 2004, the Decision of 
16 May 2007, the Decision of 16 January 2009 and the Decision of 17 December 2010). 
 
7. Rules and conditions 
  The scheme has been developed to provide aid to  all enterprises, regardless of their size, for 
ecological investments.  The enterp rises qualifying for aid will receive a percentage of their eligible 
investment costs. 
  Depending on the type of investment (ecol ogical, energy, …), various aid intensities are 
possible, within the maximum limits of the EU General Block Exemption Regulation.  The 
Flemish Government established a limited list of ac cepted technologies which qualify for aid.  If an 
enterprise invests in an accepted technology, it can re ceive a subsidy.  If the technology is not already 
accepted, another procedure is followed in order to investigate the merits of the new technology.  If 
accepted by the engineers of the Ministry of the Flemish Community, the new technology is placed upon the list, thus ensuring easi er acceptance for future cases. 
  The Decision of the Flemish Government of 16 May 2007 amended this system from an open 
ended system to a closed envelope system with a ca ll system in order to have a better control over the 
budget.  This amendment was notified to, and approved by, the European Commission.   The Decision of the Flemish Government of 16 January 2009 amended this system a bit and introduced the principle of incentive effect.  Th e aid intensity for SMEs was set at maximum 
40 per cent of the ecological extra costs and at maximum 20 per cent for large enterprises, with 
a maximum aid amount of €1.75 million for each beneficiary. 
  The Decision of the Flemish Governme nt of 17 December 2010 replaces all the 
above-mentioned Decisions and is considered to be an updated and newly coordinated version of 
basically the same aid regime.  The main differe nce is that the new scheme again transfers from a 
closed budget system to an open end system wher e every eligible case will receive aid.  The 
maximum aid amount is reduced to €1 million, but th e aid intensity remains at 20-40 per cent.  The 
new rules apply from 1 February 2011.  The ne w Decision is based upon the EU General Block 
Exemption Regulation. 
4. Decision of the Flemish Government of 22 Fe bruary 2008 regarding strategic training or 
investment programmes for enterprises in the Flemish Region 
1. Form of aid 
 
 This scheme contains three types of aid.  It is on the one hand aimed at investment aid, both 
for SMEs in the whole Flemish territory and for large enterprises in assisted areas of the 2007-2013 regional aid map, and on the other hand aimed at tr aining aid for SMEs and large enterprises in the 
whole of the Flemish territory.  The regime is  now based upon the EU General Block Exemption 
Regulation No. 800/2008.  The new scheme came in to force on 18 April 2008, and replaced the old G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 30  
 
  regional aid scheme.  It also created a new type of aid scheme for strategic (large) investment 
programmes for SMEs and for strategic (large) training projects.  2. Amount of aid in 2009 and 2010 
 
 In 2009, a total of €45.96 million was attributed to this type of aid (31.18 million to training 
aid, 6.2 million to SME investment aid and 8. 57 million to regional investment aid to large 
enterprises).   In 2010, a total of €39.43 million was attributed to this type of aid (19.27 million to training 
aid, 19.16 million to SME investment aid and 1 million to regional investment aid to large 
enterprises).  3. Objectives of the aid 
 
 The regional aid part is aimed at the development of the lowest scoring areas within the 
Flemish Region and provides the Flemish Governme nt with a strong tool for attracting (new) 
investors towards the assisted areas where the economic situation is less favourable than in the rest of 
the country and the European Union.   The investment aid for SMEs is in line with the overall aim of reduction and reorientation of 
aid measures towards more horizontal objectives.  Th e promotion of investments by SMEs is one of 
the best ways of ensuring that.  The aid scheme aims at promoting entrepreneurship. 
  The training aid part is also in line with th e overall aim of reduction and reorientation of aid 
measures towards more horizontal objectives.  The promotion of training is a very good way of 
ensuring that.  The aid benefits not only the beneficiaries but also the employees as they acquire more 
skills and competences which increase their value on the labour market. 
 4. Time-frame 
  The Decision of the Flemish Government of 22 February 2008 came into force on 
18 April 2008 and has in principle no defined expi ry date.  However, as the European Regulation on 
which the regime is based, expires on 31 December 2013, the regime will thus be reviewed in due 
time.   The Decision of the Flemish Government of  17 December 2010 amended this scheme a little 
and strengthened the control of the incentive effect of the aid.  A potential beneficiary of the aid now 
has to prove in a two-scenario approach which in vestments or training would be organized even 
without the aid, and which extra investments or tr aining will be developed in case of receiving aid.  
Only the cost of the extra investments or training, going beyond what the beneficiary would invest anyway, is eligible.  This will lead to lower aid amounts and less deadweight, whereby more budget remains available to grant in favour  of new or extra investments. 
5. Statistics 
 
 There are no statistics available which could contri bute to the evaluation of the effects of this 
aid scheme on WTO commerce and trade.  
6. Legal basis 
 
 The Decree of 31 January 2003 on the ec onomic support policy and its implementing 
Decisions of the Flemish Government.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 31 
 
 
   
7. Rules and conditions 
  The investment aid scheme has been devel oped to provide aid to SMEs in the whole 
Flemish territory and large enterprises within assisted  areas.  Only "strategic" or large investment 
programmes qualify for aid.  A beneficiary has to invest minimally €8 million.  The maximum aid 
amount is 10 per cent of the eligible investment co sts.  The scheme foresees in economic, social and 
ecological criteria on which the beneficiary can score  points.  The minimal score is 50/100.  Between 
50 and 100 points, the beneficiary receives from 5 up to 10 per cent aid.  There is an overall 
maximum threshold of maximum €1 million aid for a beneficiary in a three-year period. 
 
 The training aid scheme has been developed to  provide aid to SMEs and large enterprises in 
the whole Flemish territory for "strategic" or large training programmes.  A beneficiary has to invest 
minimally €0.45 million in training.  The maximum training aid amount is 25 per cent of the eligible 
investment costs.  The scheme foresees in ec onomic, social and ecological criteria on which the 
beneficiary can score points.  The minimal sco re is 50/100.  Between 50 and 100 points, the 
beneficiary receives from 20 up to 25 per cent ai d.  There is an overall maximum threshold of 
€1 million aid for a beneficiary in a three-year period.  B. A
ID TO ENTERPRISES - DECISION OF THE FLEMISH GOVERNMENT OF 19 D ECEMBER  2008  
REGARDING THE GRANTING OF AID TO SMALL AND MEDIUM -SIZED ENTERPRISES FOR 
ENTREPRENEURSHIP ENCOURAGING SERVICES (SME  PORTFOLIO , FORMERLY KNOWN AS 
BUDGET FOR ECONOMIC ADVICE - BEA) 
 Decision of the Flemish Government of 19 D ecember 2008 regarding the granting of aid to 
SMEs for entrepreneurship encouraging services (als o called SME Portfolio), which entered into force 
on 1 January 2009.  Various implem enting ministerial decisions were issued.  The old decision of 
16 December 2005 was abolished. 
  This scheme is also based upon the EU " de minimis " regulation (Regulation 1998/2006 of 
15 December 2006, OJ of 28 December 2006, L 379).  1. Form of aid 
  The system is fully web-based and paperless.  This scheme is aimed at SMEs.  There are five types of aid eligible:  
(a) Training aid:  up to 50 per cent aid, with a maximum of €2,500; 
(b) aid for consultancy costs:  up to 50 per cent aid, with a maximum of €2,500; 
(c) aid for consultancy cost on possible intern ationalization:  up to 50 per cent aid, with 
a maximum of €5,000; 
(d) aid for consultancy costs on innovation:  up to 75 per cent aid, with a maximum of 
€10,000. 
The first four categories of aid can be cumulated with a maximum aid amount of 
€15,000 for each beneficiary over a one-year period. 
(e) Aid for strategic advice:  up to 50 per cent aid, with a maximum of €25,000 aid. 
The fifth type of aid depends on a more stringent control.  A commission of case 
handlers has to agree on the strategic value of the project and a copy of the advice has to be sent to the granting authority. 
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
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  2. Amount of aid in 2009 and 2010 
 
 The total budget for this scheme in 2009 was €33.58 million.  The total budget for this scheme in 2010 was €34.87 million.  
3. Objectives of the aid 
 
 The Flemish Government agrees with the overa ll aim of reduction and reorientation of aid 
measures towards more horizontal objectives.  The pr omotion of aid to SMEs in order to stimulate 
them to obtain specialized external advice or trai ning is a positive element for the sustainability and 
results of the enterprises. 
 4. Time-frame 
  The system has no time-limit (taking into account the duration of the " de minimis " regulation 
until 2013). 
 C. R
ESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT  
 Decision of the Flemish Government of 5 October 2001 for the granting of aid to 
technological research and development projects from the industry in Flanders, replaced by the Decision of the Flemish Government of 12 Decemb er 2008 regarding the granting of aid to research 
and development projects from the industry in Flanders. 
 1. Form of aid 
  Subsidy to research and development. 
 
 The Decision of the Flemish Government of  5 October 2001 for the granting of aid to 
technological research and development projects from the industry in Flanders was notified and accepted by the Commission as N298/2000.   The Decision of the Flemish Government of 12 December 2008 regarding the granting of aid 
to research and development projects from the industry in Flanders replaces the decision from 
5 October 2001 from 10 March 2009 onwards.  The modifi cations in the new decision make use of the 
general block exemption regulation of the Eur opean Commission 800/2008 and were communicated 
to the Commission through the State Aid Notificati ons Interactive (SANI) tool with reference 
CP138/2008. 
 
2. Amount of aid in 2009 and 2010 
  2009:  €117.28 million.  2010:  €104.87 million.  
3. Objectives of the aid 
 
 Support of research and development within the restrictions defined in the Community 
Framework for State Aid for Research and Development and Innovation.  
4. Time-frame 
 
 The notification N298/2000 is valid for the period 5 October 2001 - 4 October 2011. 
  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 33 
 
 
  5. Statistics 
 
6. Legal base 
  Decree of 23 January 1991 regarding the founda tion of an Institute for the Promotion of 
Innovation through Science and Technology in Flande rs, replaced by the Decree of 18 May 1999 
regarding a policy for stimulation of technolog ical innovation, in particular Article 5. 
  Decision of the Flemish Government of 5 October 2001 for the granting of aid to technological research and development projects from the industry in Flanders. 
 
 Decision of the Flemish Government of 12 D ecember 2008 regarding the granting of aid to 
research and development projects from the industry in Flanders.  7. Rules and conditions 
  The scheme has been developed to provide aid for Research and Development.   The aid intensity is 50 per cent for industr ial research and 25 per cent for experimental 
development.  These ceilings can be increased with bonuses as indicated in the Community 
Framework for State Aid for Research and Development and Innovation (point 5.1.3). 
 
D. A
ID TO THE FISHERIES AND AQUACULTURE SECTOR  
 FIVA (Instrument for the Financing for the Flemish Fisheries and Aquiculture Sector) 
 1. Form of aid 
 
 Interest rate subsidy:  subsidized inter est rates on loans grante d to ship-owners and 
fish-farmers and their cooperatives; 
 
 capital subsidy when investment is financed by equity; 
 
 loan guarantees for ship-owners and fish-farmers. 
 
2. Amount of aid in 2009 
 
 Interest rate subsidy:  / 
 
 capital subsidy:  €939,862.69 with 
€903,471.62 for modernization 
  €36,391.07 for harbour equipment 
 
 loan guarantees:  / 
 3. Objectives of the aid 
  The aid is granted to ship-owners, fish-farm ers and their organizations and cooperatives and 
fish processing companies in order to help shippi ng, fish-farming and fish processing companies to 
become more modern, sustainable, profitable and ma rket competitive, to ensure their profitability and 
to reduce their costs.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 34  
 
  4. Time-frame 
 
 2007-2013.  5. Statistics 
  No statistical data permitting an assessment of its effects on global trade are therefore available.  Given that the capacity of the fishing fleet and the aquaculture sector is very limited, the 
effect on global trade is negligible.  
6. Legal base 
 
 Following the abolition of the scheme to aid shipyards on 1 January 1996 and a transitional 
scheme in 1996 (Flemish Government Order of 2 Apr il 1996), a completely new set of regulations on 
aid for investment and new enterprise in the mar itime fisheries and aquaculture sector was approved 
in 1998. 
  The aid is given in the context of the " Financieringsinstrument voor de Vlaamse visserij - 
en aquicultuursector - FIVA" (Financing instrument for the Fl emish fisheries and aquiculture sector). 
 
 Council Regulation (EC) No. 1198/2006 of 27 July 2006 on the European Fisheries 
Fund; 
 
 Decree of 13 May 1997 establishing a financing instrument for the Flemish fisheries 
and aquaculture sector; 
 
 Flemish Government Order of 7 July 1998 on aid for investment and start-up in the 
fisheries and aquaculture sector; 
 
 Ministerial Order of 14 July 1998 on aid for investment and start-up in the fisheries 
and aquaculture sector. 
  The purpose of the aid is structural and in tended to promote fishing and aquaculture by 
improving the efficiency of the structures.  
E. A
ID FOR AGRICULTURAL INVESTMENT AND NEW ENTERPRISE - FLEMISH AGRICULTURAL 
INVESTMENT FUND 
1. Form of aid 
 
 This section covers aid for agricultural and horticultural producers:  
 Interest subsidies (interest rate subsid ies on loans granted for agriculture and 
horticulture):  for investments, differentiation and start-ups; 
 
 investment premiums; 
 
 differentiation premiums; 
 
 start-up grants; 
 
 loan guarantees.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 35 
 
 
   
 The aid measures are aimed at all types of en terprises that are situated in the agricultural 
production sector.   Since 2005, the VLIF has been responsible for only the Flemish part of the aid granted.  The 
volumes of total aid (Flemish part + European part) ar e listed below;  in this way, the figures for this 
year can be compared with those of the previous years.  2. Amount of aid in 2009 
 
 Figures mentioned under this title cover the fiscal year 2009. 
  Interest rate subsidies:  €49,595,672.30 (of which €35,628,702.40 Flemish budget) 
 
* New dossiers:  €34,630,482.76 
 
 Investment:  €26,371,883.18 with 30 per cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005); 
 
 differentiation:  €2,769,668.82 with 30 pe r cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005); 
 
 start-up:  €2,546,203.20 with 30 per cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulations (EC) No. 1698/2005); 
 
 regional aid without EAFRD co-financing:  €1,158,283.88; 
 
 cooperative societies:  €1,874,443.68. 
  * Reviews of existing dossiers:  €998,219.64 
 
 Investment:  €640,613.76 with 30 per cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005); 
 
 differentiation:  €175,114.59 with 30 per cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005); 
 
 start-up:  €93,740.17 with 30 per cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005); 
 
 €86,755.79 without EAFRD co-financing (of which €1995.33 to cooperative 
societies). 
  Investment premiums:  €21,361,660.36 
 
 * New dossiers:  €20,752,158.90 
 
 Farmers:  €14,138,717.44 with 30 pe r cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005); 
 
 cooperative societies:  €1,323,509.22 (without EAFRD co-financing); 
 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 36  
 
   differentiation Premiums €1,980,718.91 (with 30 per cent co-financing by the 
EAFRD Council Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005; 
 
 start-up grants:  €1,980,718.91 with 30 per cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005). 
 
 * Reviews of existing dossiers:  €987,673.99 
 
 Farmers:  €972,426.40 with 30 per cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005); 
 
 cooperative societies:  €15,247.59 without EAFRD co-financing; 
 
 differentiation Premiums €112,599.20 (with 30 per cent co-financing by the EAFRD 
Council Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005; 
 
 start-up grants:  €96,199.90 with 30 per cent co-financing by the EAFRD (Council 
Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005). 
  Loan guarantees:  €2,387,922.22 of guar antees granted 
 
3. Objectives of the aid 
 
 The aid under this heading is awarded to farm ers and horticulturalists and their organizations 
and cooperatives to encourage all operations whic h increase the productivity of agricultural and 
horticultural enterprises, maintain and improve their profitability and reduce costs, such as: 
 
 Investment operations, i.e. operations wh ereby natural or legal persons acquire, 
extend or improve capital assets such as la nd, buildings and c onstructions, including 
housing for the operator and his family, indu strial plant, facilities, machines, tools 
and materials.  This decree is only appli cable to the acquisition of land and buildings 
when this is economically necessary to main tain the profitability of the existing 
enterprise; 
 
 restructuring of enterprises follo wing changes in economic conditions; 
 
 agricultural and horticultural start-ups; 
 
 processing and marketing of agricultural and horticultural products, mainly through 
cooperatives. 
 
4. Time-frame 
  The duration of interest rate subsidies depe nds on the duration of the loan, but the maximum 
duration (= paying period) ranges from five years to 15 years depending on the type of investment.  
 Premiums are paid in two parts within a pe riod of maximum two years after notification of 
the aid.  The permanent conditions to keep the to tal aid must be fulfilled during five years (mobile 
investments) or ten years (immobile investments).   G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 37 
 
 
  5. Statistics 
 
 The aid has a structural objective of furtheri ng agriculture through enhanced efficiency of 
agricultural enterprises.  No statistical data are th erefore available to assess the effects of the aid on 
world trade. 
 
6. Legal base 
 
 Council Regulation (EC) No. 1698/2005 of  20 September 2005 on support for rural 
development from the European Agricultura l Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD); 
 
 Article 12 of the Decree of 22 December 1993 containing various measures in 
application of the 1994 budget (establishmen t of a Flemish Agricultural Investment 
Fund); 
 
 Flemish Government Order and Minister ial Order of 24 November 2000 on aid for 
agricultural investment and new enterprises; 
 
 Flemish Government Order of 16 July 1 996 regulating the operation and management 
of the " Vlaams Landbouwinvesteringsfonds " (Flemish Agricultural Investment Fund). 
 F. A
D HOC TRAINING AID 
 The Flemish Government decided to grant some enterprises an ad hoc training aid, based 
upon EU Regulation No. 68/2001 of 12 January 2001 (OJ of 13/1/2001, L 10).  As provided in 
Article 5 of that regulation, individual cases have to be notified to the EU Commission if the amount 
of aid would be more than €1 million.  Besides some  big ad hoc training programmes, there were also 
a number of smaller ad hoc training cases, which did not  pass the threshold of €1 million.  All of these 
ad hoc cases originated in 2007 and 2008 and will e xpire after completion, as the general training aid 
scheme of 22 February 2008 came into force on 18 April 2008 (mentioned above under 4.1.4).  From 
that date on, all new training aid cases will come unde r the new regime and will no longer be ad hoc 
cases. 
 
 2009 
 
A. VOLVO CARS Gent 
 
 Ad hoc training aid programme, notified to , and approved by the EU Commission.  
€1.41 million was paid in 2009.  The programme is now expired.  
B. Ad hoc cases below the €1 million threshold (paid in 2009 - in million €) 
 
 Van Hool   €0 
 P&O Ports Antwerp  €0.29 
 LVD Company   €0.26 
 HJ Heinz Belgium  €0 
 Katoen Natie   €0.29 
 Sedac Mecobel   €0 
 Atlas Copco Airpower  €0 
 Volvo Europa Trucks  €0 
 GE Security EMEA  €0.28 
 Tupperware Belgium  €0.17 G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 38  
 
   Ikea Belgium   €0 
 Alcatel Lucent Bell  €0 
 Alpro    €0 
 PBI Fruit Juice   €0.24 
 Recticel   €0.29 
 Veurne Snack Foods  €0 
 Vlaamse Media Maatschappij €0 
 Ineos Manufacturing Belgium €0 
 Inbev    €0 
 Media Markt Saturn Belgium €0 
 Proctor and Gamble Eurocor €0.29 
 TNT Express Belux  €0 
 Thermote & Verhalst  €0.27 
 Acromet Service  €0 
 Asco Industries   €0 
 Bekaert    €0.49 
 Indaver    €0.26 
 Ineos    €0 
 Janssen Pharmaceutica  €0 
 Betafence   €0 
 JST Belgium   €0 
 Kinepolis Group  €0 
 Kuehne & Nagel Logistics €0 
  2010 
 
 Ad hoc cases below the €1 million threshold (paid in 2010 – in million €) 
 
 Van Hool   €0.38 
 P&O Ports Antwerp  €0.40 
 LVD Company   €0 
 HJ Heinz Belgium  €0.28 
 Katoen Natie   €0 
 Sedac Mecobel   €0.28 
 Atlas Copco Airpower  €0 
 Volvo Europa Trucks  €0 
 GE Security EMEA  €0 
 Tupperware Belgium  €0 
 Ikea Belgium   €0 
 Alcatel Lucent Bell  €0 
 Alpro    €0.29 
 PBI Fruit Juice   €0 
 Recticel   €0.40 
 Veurne Snack Foods  €0 
 Vlaamse Media Maatschappij €0 
 Ineos Manufacturing Belgium €0 
 Inbev    €0.24 
 Media Markt Saturn Belgium €0 
 Proctor and Gamble Eurocor €0.39 
 TNT Express Belux  €0.12  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
 Page 39 
 
 
   Thermote & Verhalst  €0 
 Acromet Service  €0 
 Asco Industries   €0.70 
 Bekaert    €0 
 Indaver    €0.34 
 Ineos    €0 
 Janssen Pharmaceutica  €0 
 Betafence   €0 
 JST Belgium   €0 
 Kinepolis Group  €0 
 Kuehne & Nagel Logistics €0 
 G. E
MPLOYMENT AID 
1. Decision of the Flemish Government of 28 April 2006 regarding the granting of an 
employment premium 50+ 
1. Form of aid 
 
 This scheme is aimed at employment aid, as defined by the EU Commission in its Regulation 
No. 2204/2002 and Regulation No. 800/2008.  This  scheme is notified to, and approved by, the 
European Commission (X67/2009). 
 
2. Amount of aid in 2009 and 2010 
  In 2009:  €16.76 million.  In 2010:  €24.08 million. 
 
3. Objectives of the aid 
  To stimulate the demand for older workers, the Flemish employment premium 50+ has been installed.  Employers who hire older jobseekers can obtain an important financial incentive.  Since 
1 January 2009 the premium increased and amount s actually to between €400 and 1500 per month 
(during one year) for each unemployed 50+ that is offered a contract for an indeterminate period. 
 4. Time-frame 
  The decision of the Flemish Government of 12 December 2008 came into force on 
1 January 2009.  The scheme follows the ti me-frame of the EU Regulation No. 800/2008. 
 5. Statistics 
  The aim of the aid is to enhance the labour participation of unemployed 50+.  The impact is 
thus mainly on employment in very diverse sectors.   No statistical data permitting an assessment of its 
effects on global trade are therefore available.   During 2009:  3,156 employment premium 50+ were paid.  During 2010:  3,644 employment premium 50+ were paid.  G/SCM/N/220/EEC/Add.2 
Page 40  
 
  6. Legal base 
 
 Decision of the Flemish Government of 28 April 2006 regarding the granting of an employment premium 50+.  2. Decision of the Flemish Government of 18 July 2008 regarding the professional 
integration of people with a disability 
1. Form of aid 
 
 This scheme is aimed at employment aid, as defined by the EU Commission in its Regulation 
No. 800/2008.  This scheme is notified to, and approved by, the European Commission (X29/2008). 
 2. Amount of aid in 2009 and 2010 
  In 2009:  €59.31 million. 
 In 2010:  €66.39 million. 
 3. Objectives of the aid 
  This grant gives employers the certainty that they will be reimbursed with 40 per cent of the 
salary in the first year, then with 30 per cent, and with 20 per cent as from the fifth year.  The grant is 
also based on the actual wage.  The reason for this gradual approach is the costs that an employer 
must mainly make in the beginning of the employment.  The integration of an employee with a disability often takes longer and adaptations to wo rk schemes are necessary and tasks have to be 
distributed, etc.  A higher grant than these basic am ounts can possibly be paid, but then the employer 
must demonstrate his real additional costs.  The regulation also provides a simplified application for 
contributions for adaptations of the job equipmen t, adapted tools, interpreters and moving or 
accommodation costs.  4. Time-frame 
  The Decision of the Flemish Government of 18 July 2008 came into force on 1 October 2008.  
The scheme follows the time-frame of  the EU Regulation No. 800/2008. 
 5. Statistics 
  The aim of the aid is to enhance the labour participation of people with disabilities.  The 
impact is thus mainly on employment in very di verse sectors.  No statistical data permitting an 
assessment of its effects on global trade are therefore available.   During 2009:  8,607 persons receive d an integration premium grant. 
 During 2010:  9,016 persons receive d an integration premium grant. 
 
6. Legal base 
 
 Decision of the Flemish Government of 18 July 2008 regarding the professional integration of people with a disability.  
__________