Context
The Cyprus de minimis register system (DMRegister) is an initiative by the Cyprus Office of the Commissioner for State Aid Control (CYCSAC) to ensure all de minimis aid granted by Cypriot Government Competent Authorities (CGCA) comply with EU regulations. The CYCSAC, an independent governmental office, is responsible for verifying that all published state aid measures by CGCAs adhere to EU state aid rules.
Previously, a paper-based system for de minimis aid applications created challenges. Beneficiaries manually completed forms detailing past de minimis aid received, leading to potential errors and a lack of centralised data. CGCA officers then manually checked applications without complete information, requiring repetitive processes across different CGCA schemes.
Objectives
The DMRegister system was created to achieve a set of interconnected goals. First and foremost, it ensures that de minimis aid is granted in strict accordance with the regulations set forth by the EU. Second, the DMRegister fosters transparency by creating a centralised database for de minimis aid information. This database is accessible to all authorised users, regardless of the specific CGCA they belong to. This not only allows for better oversight but also streamlines communication and information sharing. Furthermore, the DMRegister significantly improves efficiency by automating many of the previously manual tasks involved in the de minimis aid application process. This reduces the administrative burden for both CGCA staff and beneficiaries, allowing for faster processing times and fewer errors. Finally, the system strengthens the oversight capabilities of the Cyprus Government. By providing a comprehensive view of de minimis aid allocation, the government can make informed decisions about future economic policies and ensure that resources are being distributed effectively.
Implementation
Launched in January 2022, the DMRegister is a web-based system designed for user-friendliness. The project faced initial resistance due to the significant change in workflow. However, extensive training sessions and ongoing support ensured user adoption. The DMRegister has successfully transformed how CGCAs work, promoting efficiency and data transparency. As of 13 November 2023, the system has processed over €205 million in de minimis aid across various schemes and categories.