The General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER) forms a cornerstone of the European Union’s state aid architecture. Its importance lies in allowing Member States to grant certain categories of aid without prior approval from the European Commission, provided that the aid complies with EU competition law and does not distort the internal market.
Over the years, the GBER has become increasingly essential for EU‑level economic development, as it ensures the following benefits:
- Speed: Member States can launch programmes rapidly without waiting for ex‑ante Commission authorisation.
- Predictability: The regulation clearly defines which types of aid and conditions apply automatically, enabling both managing authorities and beneficiaries to anticipate requirements.
- Legal certainty: Aid granted under the General Block Exemption Regulation is presumed lawful, minimising the risk of the Commission later determining the measure to be unlawful state aid.
In 2026, the European Commission proposed the most extensive revision of the General Block Exemption Regulation to date. The public consultation runs until 23 April 2026, and the new framework is expected to enter into force in January 2027. Through this reform, the EU aims to create a framework that is simultaneously:
- faster and more flexible,
- better aligned with the green and digital transitions,
- supportive of broader social and regional objectives,
- while continuing to safeguard fair competition.
Easier implementation, reduced administrative burde
One of the primary goals of the proposed amendments is to reduce administrative burdens for both aid‑granting authorities and applicants. This includes encouraging broader use of simplified cost options, which significantly ease documentation requirements.
These simplified methods include:
- lump sums,
- unit costs, and
- flat‑rate financing.
The draft proposal would also eliminate the mandatory evaluation plans required for large‑budget aid schemes – an obligation that previously consumed substantial resources. This measure would enable faster programme launch and more efficient implementation.
Aid could also become easier to grant for smaller‑scale projects. In certain areas – such as R&D or environmental projects – higher aid intensities may become available regardless of company size. Higher aid intensities reduce the required private contribution, thereby improving access to funding.
This is particularly advantageous in sectors where projects require high upfront investment or where innovation involves significant risk – areas in which many companies have so far been excluded due to the high level of own financing previously required.
Prioritising the green and digital transitions
The reform of the General Block Exemption Regulation – fully aligned with EU strategic objectives – puts an increased emphasis on climate neutrality and technological progress. The new rules would:
- simplify the framework for environmental and energy‑related aid, and
- significantly expand the range of support available for renewable energy, energy efficiency and decarbonisation.
For operating aid in renewable energy schemes, the proposal would abolish the current EUR 300 million annual programme cap, enabling Member States to launch substantially larger schemes. This is particularly relevant given the rapid expansion of green energy investments. The maximum aid per beneficiary would, however, remain in place to prevent distortions of competition.
Digitalisation appears as an independent aid category under the revised regulation. The new measure supporting digital transition for SMEs and small mid‑cap companies reflects the EU’s recognition that technological upgrading is essential for competition, innovation and economic dynamism across the European internal market. Digitalisation‑related investments – such as automation, cybersecurity or digital infrastructure – would become eligible more easily and rapidly.
Strengthening social and regional objectives
The proposed amendments support not only economic growth, innovation and climate neutrality, but also social cohesion. As part of this:
- a completely new category – aid for social enterprises – would be introduced, offering favourable conditions for public‑benefit activities;
- to address the housing crisis, the Commission would allow higher aid intensities for energy‑efficiency renovations of social and affordable housing.
From a regional perspective, a key development is that agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture would fall more broadly under the scope of the new General Block Exemption Regulation, enabling regional investment aid to be granted even for primary agricultural producers. This would significantly contribute to the economic development of rural areas.
Owing to the ongoing transformation of the labour market, the proposal places strong emphasis on training and reskilling, especially in digital, technological and STEM competences. This responds both to labour shortages and to the growing need for new skills – while also acting as a prerequisite for a successful green and digital transition.
The significance of the reform
The comprehensive reform of the General Block Exemption Regulation represents a strategic turning point in EU state aid policy. The framework expected in 2027 is not a mere technical adjustment; it is a broad‑based modernisation that will shape EU state aid policy for the next decade. Consequently, once implemented, it may significantly transform the state aid framework based on Individual Government Decisions (EKD) in Hungary.
