State aid

We have market-leading experience in handling complex State aid cases, making us a "safe pair of hands"

We are witnessing an increased focus on State aid law in recent years. Many public policy objectives require some form of State support in order to be delivered successfully.

The unprecedented effects of the Covid-19 crisis as well as the high energy prices have resulted in a growing number of companies having to navigate the State aid rules. At the same time, companies with no previous exposure to State aid issues find themselves on the radar for State aid probes into tax measures. And the investments needed to achieve the EU’s bold ambitions in the Green Deal, which will be a transformative business driver, may only be achieved with significant amounts of State support.

In this evolving legal environment, it is imperative for companies and governments to get strategic advice which is aligned with the requirements of both the relevant business sector and political realities. At Linklaters, we provide that expertise. Our State aid practice is among the most experienced in Europe, advising both governments and beneficiaries in a wide range of sectors.

We offer a first-class service, covering a broad range of services. This includes advisory work on the State aid aspects of new projects, advice to secure aid approvals quickly in crisis situations (including, most recently, to mitigate the impact of high energy prices), as well as assistance in State aid investigations before the European Commission and related litigation before the EU and national courts, including national recovery proceedings.

State aid at Linklaters: how can we help?

Provide insightful advice on law and strategy, taking into account both legal and political realities, based on our collective experience
Offer a full-service State aid team, with experts in our other practices, such as tax and energy and infrastructure, being fully familiar with State aid issues
Handle dealings with the European Commission and with governments granting State aid, both on behalf of complainants and beneficiaries of such aid
Advise clients in relation to the repayment of unlawful State aid and managing recovery proceedings
Support complainants and beneficiaries in complex court cases against European Commission recovery and approval decisions
Advise clients on State aid issues ensuing from privatisations and sale of State-owned assets