Law, State aid

EU State Aid Conference

A one-day high-level conference on EU State aid control, combining legal analysis, a keynote from the European Commission, and a round table with key stakeholders. Focus on jurisprudence, policy shifts, and strategic use of State aid.

About this course

State aid control is one of the pillars for the proper functioning of the EU internal market, ensuring that financial support granted by Member States does not distort competition or trade within the Union. This conference offers an in-depth and up-to-date exploration of the EU State aid legal and policy framework, covering both the established foundations and recent shifts in response to evolving global, economic, and strategic challenges.
In recent years, the State aid regime has undergone significant reorientation to address global competition, the green and digital transitions, and emerging geopolitical challenges. This evolving landscape has brought forward new political approaches and targeted tools to support strategic sectors, manage crises, and advance the EU’s sustainability goals – highlighting the growing role of State aid as an instrument of EU industrial policy.

The first part of the conference will be dedicated to the latest developments in State aid jurisprudence, offering expert analysis of recent CJEU rulings, evolving interpretations of Article 107 TFEU, and the implications for compatibility assessments under EU law.

In the second part of the day, a keynote speech by a representative of the European Commission will present the new orientations of EU State aid policy, followed by a round table discussion featuring leading stakeholders from EU institutions, Member States, and the private sector. The panel will explore how State aid policy is being reshaped to meet the Union’s strategic objectives, from energy transition and digitalisation to industrial competitiveness, global resilience, and military defence spending.
The conference combines legal precision with policy perspective, offering a unique platform for professional exchange and high-level dialogue on the future direction of EU State aid control.

Subjects covered are:

  • The latest developments in EU State aid jurisprudence, including recent rulings and their implications for interpretation and enforcement
  • How the European Commission and national authorities apply and monitor State aid rules in practice
  • The impact of new political orientations on the evolution of State aid policy, including tools for strategic sectors, crisis response, and sustainability
  • The role of State aid in supporting the EU’s broader industrial policy, particularly in the context of the green and digital transitions
  • Diverse perspectives from key institutional and sectoral stakeholders on the current and future direction of State aid control

Methodology:

The first part of the day will feature presentations by recognised experts analysing recent jurisprudence and enforcement trends. This will be followed by a keynote address from a senior representative of the European Commission, offering direct insight into the current political orientations shaping State aid policy. This event will culminate in a round table discussion with high-level stakeholders from EU institutions, national administrations, and the private sector, providing a forum for the exchange of views and professional experience. Q&A sessions throughout the day will allow participants to engage actively with speakers and panellists.

This conference will provide you with a clearer understanding of the current direction of EU State aid law and policy, combining legal analysis with forward-looking perspectives from key institutional actors. You will gain insight into how recent Court rulings and Commission decisions are shaping enforcement practice, and how State aid is being used strategically to advance the EU’s industrial, environmental, and digital agendas. Whether you are involved in applying State aid rules, designing support measures, or advising on compliance, the event will enhance your ability to anticipate legal developments, align with evolving policy objectives, and engage in informed decision-making within your organisation or institution.

This conference is aimed at legal professionals, including those involved in litigation, as well as public officials and EU institution staff, particularly in the areas of State aid, competition law, public finance, and economic policy. It is especially relevant for participants from the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), the Court of Justice of the European Union, and national administrations, as well as regulators and policy advisors engaged in the design, implementation, or legal review of public support measures.

Project number: 2550901

Course venue – to be determined
Luxembourg (LU)

Programme Organiser
Ms Elisa Dolci
Tel: +352 691 108 038
e.dolci@eipa.eu

Fee
The fee includes documentation and refreshments. Lunches, a reception or dinner are included if mentioned in the programme. Accommodation and travel costs are at the expense of the participants or their administration.

Discounts
EIPA member fee
EIPA offers a discount to all civil servants working for one of EIPA’s supporting countries, and civil servants working for an EU institution, body or agency.

Who are the supporting countries?
Civil servants coming from the following EIPA supporting countries are entitled to get the reduced fee: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Sweden.

For all other participants, the regular fee applies.

Loyalty coupon
As a token of appreciation we offer all our participants a loyalty coupon for one of our future courses. The offer can be shared with colleagues and relevant networks. The coupon will expire one year after its release. This discount is not cumulative with other discounts, except for the EIPA member fee.

Meals
Dietary preferences can be indicated on the registration form.

Hotel reservations
EIPA has special price arrangements with a number of hotels. Most rates are including breakfast and tourist tax. Should you wish to make use of this possibility, please book directly via the links below. Payment is to be made directly and personally to the hotel upon checking out.

Kirchberg

Luxembourg Centre

Confirmation
Confirmation of registration will be forwarded to participants on receipt of the completed online registration form.

Payment
Prior payment is a condition for participation.

Cancellation policy
For administrative reasons you will be charged €150 for cancellations received within 15 days before the activity begins. There is no charge for qualified substitute participants. EIPA reserves the right to cancel the activity up to 2 weeks before the starting date. In that case, registration fees received will be fully reimbursed. EIPA accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred (travel, accommodation, etc.).

A few days before the start of the course you will receive the log-in details for accessing the course materials. You can log in here.

Our experts

Project leader

Claudio Matera

EU institutional law, EU external relations law, EU AFSJ law

Programme

09.00Registration of participants
09.30Welcome and introduction to the conference
Dr Claudio Matera, Deputy Director-General and Senior Lecturer, EIPA
09.45Overview of the recent case-law of the EU Courts in the field of State aid
With the intervention of Dr Suzanne Kingston, Judge at the General Court, CJEU
Panel moderated by Sébastien Thomas, Senior Associate, Arendt & Medernach (LU)
10.15Compatibility of State aid with other provisions or general principles of EU law and the notion of “indissoluble link” (C-59/23 P, C-490/23 P)
Panel moderated by Dr Sébastien Thomas, Arendt & Medernach (LU)
10.45Break
11.15Selectivity revisited – Is the three-step analysis of Word Duty Free still valid after the Grand Chamber judgment in C-453/23 and recent tax ruling cases (Fiat, Engie, etc.)?
Panel moderated by Dr Philippe-Emmanuel Partsch, Founding partner of the EU Law practice, Arendt & Medernach (LU)
11.45Debate and concluding remarks
Dr Philippe-Emmanuel Partsch
12.15Networking lunch
13.45Keynote Speech: Clean Industrial Deal and State Aid: New Framework, New Perspectives?
Dr Andreas Bergmann, Head of DG COMP Semiconductor Taskforce, European Commission
14.15Debate
14.45Break
15.00Round table with the participation of:

  • Florin Dascalescu, Senior Legal Counsel, European Investment Fund (LU)
  • Dr Adrien de Hauteclocque, European University Institute, Florence (IT)
  • TBC

Moderated by Philippe-Emmanuel Partsch, Founding Partner, Arendt & Medernach (LU)

16.00Debate and conclusions by the moderator
16.30End of the Conference and Reception

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EU State Aid Conference

24 Oct 2025
Luxembourg (LU)
Register before: 9 Oct 2025
 380 per attendee
 325 for EIPA members
Register before: 9 Oct 2025