EU State Aid Law in Practice: Current Challenges and Future Directions

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.

What you will learn:

• 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 goals and 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

Course methodology

The first part of the day will feature presentations by recognised experts analysing recent jurisprudence and enforcement trends. The 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: 2650901

Venue – to be confirmed
Luxembourg (LU)

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

Fee
The fee includes documentation, refreshments, and a lunch. 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.

Early bird discount
EIPA offers 10% off on registrations made eight weeks or more before the start of a course. The early bird discount is not cumulative with other discounts or promo codes, except for the EIPA member fee.

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.

Luxembourg Kirchberg

• Hotel Novotel Suites Kirchberg****, at the rate of €193, tel.: +352 429848-1; booking page: accorhotels.com (Company ID: SC000002048 – Access Code: IN281LU654).
• Hotel D’Coque***, via https://www.coque.lu/coque-hotel-superior/online-booking, tel.: +352 43 60 60 222

Luxembourg Centre

• Hotel Français***, at the rate of €160, tel.: +352 47 45 34; e-mail: info@hotelfrancais.lu; https://www.hotelfrancais.lu/ (Reservation code: EIPA).
• Hotel Simoncini****, at the rate of €200., tel.: +352 22 28 44; e-mail: simhotel@pt.lu or simoncinihotel@pt.lu; https://www.hotelsimoncini.lu/.
• Hotel Vauban***, at the rate of €160, tel.: +352 220493; e-mail: info@hotelvauban.lu; https://hotelvauban.lu/
• Hotel Parc Plaza****, at the rate of €179, Hotel Parc Bellevue***, at the rate of €143, (Reservation code: EIPA0118; https://www.goereshotels.com, +352 44 23 23 23 23; e-mail: reservation@goereshotels.com;

Luxembourg Dommeldange

• DoubleTree by Hilton Luxembourg ****, at the rate of €150, (Reservation code: EIPA0118): http://www.luxembourg.doubletree.com/

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.