G/SCM/N/3/EEC
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5. Flat-rate aid for certain specified products
For certain species, in particular of regional importance in certain member States, flat-rate aid is
granted to producers' organizations which take market intervention action in a certain context. This
fixed-rate aid is granted only in respect of 10 per cent of the annual quantities offered for sale and on
condition that the producers' organizations make a coresponsibility payment of 25 per cent of the
withdrawal price applied in the market.
6. Initial aid to producers' organizations
Aid, partly financed by the Community, can be granted to producers' organizations in order to
facilitate their establishment and operation. The amount of this aid, which is granted for a period of three
years, may not exceed, for the first, second and third years respectively, 3 per cent, 2 per cent and 1 per
cent of the value of the production marketed, nor exceed 60 per cent, 40 per cent and 20 per cent
respectively of the overheads of the producers' organizations concerned.
Aid of this kind may also be granted to producers' organizations which submit a plan to improve
quality and marketing of their products.
This aid is also temporary, limited to three years, and may not exceed, for the first, second and
third years respectively, 3 per cent, 2 per cent and 1 per cent of the value of the production of the products
concerned by the plan, nor exceed 60 per cent, 50 per cent and 40 per cent respectively of the study costs
and overheads devoted during the three years by the producers' organization to the implementation of the
plan.G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 60
AUSTRIA
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. Aid Scheme for Endogenous Regional Development 65
2. Aid scheme under the Business Structure Improvement Act 1969*, 66
regional component
3. Aid scheme under the Business Structure Improvement Act 1969 68
4. Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) 69
5. Aid scheme under the Business Structure Improvement Act 1969 70
(EUROFIT)
6. Bürges Small Business Credit Scheme 71
7. Bürges Small Business Credit Scheme*, regional component (basic 72
scheme including regional aid component)
8. Aid Scheme for the Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment 73
(Internationalization) for SMEs
9. Young Entrepreneurs Programme 74
10. Young Entrepreneurs Programme (see (k)); regional component 76
11. "Rooms with all modern conveniences and staff quarters" and 77
"Sanitary installations at camping sites"
12. Restoration Programme for Mountain Rescue Huts 78
13. Tourismus Promotion Scheme 79
14. Tourism Marketing Promotion Scheme 80
15. ERP - equivalent scheme 81
16. Assistance Scheme for Enterprises in Tourism 82
17. TOP 2-Scheme 83
18. TOP FU-Scheme 85
19. District Hearing Promotion Scheme 86
20. Grants for Small Power Plants 88
21. Mining Assistance 89
22. Patent Application Assistance 90
23. TOP Tourismus promotion scheme 91
24. Labour Market Promotion Scheme: SME enterprises in assisted areas, 92
rescue and restructuring
25. Support Measures for the Labour Market 94
26. Guarantees by Finanzierungsgarantie 95
27. Grants according to § 1 b (1) Garantiegestetz 1977 96
28. Aid under § 1 b (2) Garantiegesetz 1977 97
29. Guarantees by FGG/East-West Fund FGG § 11 98
30. Aid to industry for environmental protection measures 99
31. Aid for water management measures at the local level 101
32. Aid for waste water management in industrial firms 102
33. Aid for the management of abandoned polluted sites 103
34. Aid for environmental protection in foreign countries 104
35. Promotion of multi-modal transportation road rail ship 105
36. Regional Innovation Premium 106G/SCM/N/3/EEC
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Page
37. Quality Certification Scheme 108
38. Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF/ERP) 109
39. ERP-Technology Programme 110
40. ERP-Regional Programme 111
41. ERP-Eastern Europe Programme 112
42. ERP-Internationalization Programme 113
43. ERP-Infrastructural Programme 114
44. ERP-Tourism Programme 115
45. ERP-Agricultural Programme 116
46. ERP-Transport Programme 117
47. Austrian Industrial Research Promotion Fund 118
48. Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF)/FFF 119
49. Economic Promotion Act 1994 121
50. Measure to ensure economic development in Burgenland 122
51. Economic Development 123
52. Focal Scheme Tourism Promotion 124
53. General Guideline for Granting Aid 125
54. Impact Programme "Research and Development" 127
55. Impulse Programme "Staff quarters" 128
56. Impact Programme "Aid for Rescue and Restructuring in Tourism 129
57. Aid based on Sec. 4 pp. 5 of the Economic Assistance Fund Act 130
58. Participation Scheme for Improvement of Carinthian winter 131
sports facilities
59. BABEG Participation Scheme 133
60. Regional Investment Promotion Scheme 134
61. Lower Austrian Innovation Promotion Scheme 136
62. Job Premium in No. 1 Assisted Area 137
63. Special District Heating Promotion Scheme 138
64. Aid for Regional Development in Lower Austria 140
65. Innovation Promotion by Guarantees 141
66. Guarantees for Industrial Investment in Lower Austria 142
67. Aid measures of the Regional Government of Lower Austria for 143
economic investment preserving the environment
68. Special Interest Subsidy Programme 144
69. ERP-Enhancement Programme of Lower Austria 146
70. Special Tourism Cases 147
71. Lower Austrian Participation Model - participation in the tourism 148
industry
72. PRO Tourism 149
73. Regional Assistance to Border Areas 151
74. Lower Austrian Credit Guarantee 152
75. Lower Austrian Participation Guarantees 153
76. Development Measure of the Lower Austrian Border Region 154
Comp. Ltd.
77. Aid Measure of the Regional Government of Lower Austria for the 156
protection of surface and ground water resources ...
78. Bürges - Regional Premium 158
(1) Small business credit action
(2) Business structure improvement
(3) Young entrepreneur promotionG/SCM/N/3/EEC
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Page
79. Local Supply 159
80. Settlement of Enterprises 160
81. Location of Enterprises Impulse Programme 161
82. T.I.P. Tourism Impulse Programme 162
83. Guarantee Action and Consolidation Programme 164
84. Promotion of Environmental Strain Relief Measures in Upper Austria 165
85. QAT Quality Programme for Tourism 166
86. Fund for the Improvement of the Economic Structure of Salzburg 167
Salzburger
87. State Aid for Operational Innovations in Salzburg 169
88. State Aid for the Foundation and Acquisition of Enterprises 170
89. State Aid for the Facilitation of Financing Industrial Property ... as well 171
as the Foundation of Innovation and Technology Centres
90. State Aid Programme for the Restructuring of the Styrian Economy 172
91. State Aid Programme for the Foundation of Small and Medium 174
Sized Enterprises
92. State Aid Programme for Protection Measures in the Field of Tourism 175
93. Loans for Tourism Innovation Projects 176
94. State Aid Programme for the Location of New Enterprises and the 178
Expansion of Existing Enterprises
95. High Technology Research Promotion Scheme 179
96. Guidelines of the Styrian Economic Promotion Agency 180
97. State Aid Programme for Small Sized Enterprises 181
98. State Aid Programme for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises 182
99. State Aid Programme for Tourism 184
100. Regional Planning Focal Point Programme 185
101. Ansiedlung und Entwicklung von Schlüsselbetrieben 186
102. Scheme for the Development of Industrial Sites 187
103. Regional Planning Relocation Scheme 188
104. Scheme for Environmental Pilot Projects 189
105. District Heating and Photovoltaic Scheme 190
106. Creation and Development of Small Catering 191
107. Innovation and Flexible Automation Scheme 192
108. Tyrolean Pub Promotion 193
109. Staff Quarters in Tourism Scheme 194
110. Tyrolean Impulse Programme 195
111. Tyrolean Environmental Protection 196
112. National Park Scheme Hohe Tauern 197
113. Grants for Research and Development Vorarlberger 199
114. Guarantees by the Tyrolean Credit Guarantee Comp. 200
115. Export Capability and International Competitiveness Promotion 201
Scheme
116. Programme for the Improvement of the Economic Structure 202
of Vorarlberg
117. Grants for Anti-Air Pollution Measures 203
118. Vienna Innovation and Technology Promotion Scheme 204
119. CFC Promotion Scheme 205
120. Hotel Modernization Programme 206
121. Vienna Structural and Environmental Improvement Programme 207G/SCM/N/3/EEC
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122. Programme for Modernizing and Improving the Competitiveness of 208
Viennese Printing Firms
123. Garage Promotion Programme 210
124. Export Credit Scheme of the City of Vienna and the Bank Austria AG 211
125. Promotion Scheme for the Use of Ground Water by Enterprises 212
126. C-Tech Promotion Scheme 213
127. Vienna Credit Guarantee Comp. Ltd. 214
128. Collective Advertising in Foreign Publications 215
129. Market Research Abroad 216
130. Trade Missions 217
131. Consultancy Services for Internationalization 218
132. Export Promotion Activities 219
133. Top Team Austria 220
134. Structural Aid to SME 221G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 64
Subsidies to enterprises in the non-agricultural sector
The following notification pursuant to Article 25.2 covers state expenditures on measures for
non-agricultural undertakings in force in 1994. The main aim of the notified subsidy schemes is not
directly linked to export related effects, so that they are unlikely to fall within the purview of WTO
provisions. However, they are notified in order to increase transparency.
General description
The main aim of state aid schemes is to contribute to promoting structural improvements in the
economy. As criteria for assistance are defined in general terms, measures are of a horizontal or regional
rather than a sectoral or firm-specific nature. Thus, the schemes are designed in a way to avoid effects on
trade.
Since notification under Article 25.2 is a new task and on the other hand is also deemed to be a
notification under Article XVI of GATT, the coverage notification was deepened and widened since great
importance is attached to fulfilling the requirements of the WTO Subsidies Agreement. The above
mentioned main aim of Austrian state aid policy in the non-agricultural sector is the reason why estimates
of quantitative trade effects, incidence and breakdowns per product or sector are in general not meaningful
and are not available.
1.Aid Scheme for Endogenous Regional Development
(Förderungsprogramm für eigenständige Regionalentwicklung).
(a)Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government.
Name of responsible authority: Federal Chancellery.
(b) Legal basis
Special guidelines (Sonderrichtlinie) of 13.8.1992.
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: regional aid - map of assisted areas.
Secondary objectives: - aid to SMEs; aid for R&D; environmental aid; energy-saving; aid to
employment.
(d) Form(s) of aid
Grant.
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project: the aid is not restricted exclusively to SMEs.
This regional aid scheme is focused on stimulating and facilitating know-how-transfer to and
know-how-production in problem areas. Subsidies are therefore given to the costs of
external consulting services for the creation of new businesses and innovative activities in
existing businesses (farmers and small businesses up to a maximum staff of 50
employees, S 50 million turnover p.a. or S 50 million capital stock) as well as localG/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 65
authorities, regional development agencies and other non-profit organizations.
Maximum aid intensities for consulting costs:
-50 per cent/max. S 600,000 within 3 years for businesses (= EC regulation for SME aid);
-95 per cent/no absolute limit for other recipients (non profit).
According to the guidelines, subsidies to investment would be possible, too. However, it is not intended to
make use of this possibility during the current programme period. Theoretical maximum
aid S 2.5 million; intensity depending on the percentage allowed for in the assisted area
concerned.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources. The aid in
question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation: within allowed aid
intensity.
(g) Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force: 13.08.1992;
Date until when remaining in force: 30.09.1994.
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expendit. S 6.1 million
1993: Total budget estimate S 7.0 million
1994: Total budget estimate S 7.5 million
(i) Estimated number of recipients
From 10 to 50.
(j) Other relevant information
The guidelines generally restrict aid to cases compatible with international competition rules for the
eligibility of areas as well as for maximum aid intensities.
2.Aid scheme under the Business Structure Improvement Act 1969*, regional component Aktion nach
dem Gewerbestrukturver - besserungsgesetz 1969.
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government; regional authority.
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs together with regional governments,
see Notes 1 & 4, scheme wA 1.0.
(b) Legal Basis
Business Structure Improvement Act.G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 66
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: aid to SMEs.
Secondary objective: regional aid - regions/areas are eligible assisted areas.
(d) Form(s) of aid
Grant (see (k)); guarantee.
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project: 13.2 per cent.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: maximum aid limits of assisted areas have to
be observed. Guarantee only available for newly established enterprises.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
The aid in question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation to the extent of 75 per
cent in regions according to EC competition rule Art. 92(3)a EC Treaty; 30 per
cent in regions according to EC competition rule Art. 92(3)c.
(g) Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:1.5.1992
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1996
(h)Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure:
1993: Total budget: S 104,829,672
1994: Total budget estimate: S 108,000,000
(i) Estimated number of recipients
800-900 p.a.
(j) Other relevant information
Max. 3.5% per year of assessment base (2% +1.5%), in cases of special economic importance max. 5.5%
(4% + 1.5%) only available for newly established enterprise; guarantee for max. 80% of
the assessment base; term of guarantee: max. 10 years.
3. Aid scheme under the Business Structure Improvement Act 1969.
Aktion nach dem Gewerbestrukturverbesserungsgesetz 1969.
(a)Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measureG/SCM/N/3/EEC
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Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b)Legal basis
Gewerbestrukturverbesserungsgesetz 1969
BGB1.Nr. 635/1982 u. 577/1989
Guidelines of 18.11.1991
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Aid to SMEs.
(d)Form(s) of aid
Grant (see (k)); interest subsidy; guarantee.
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 5.6% normal; 8.79% TOP.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: building, investment, machinery and equipment, design
marketing, innovation.
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: The aid scheme under the Business
Structure Improvement Act 1969 is restricted to SME;
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
The aid in question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation: generally, the ratio of
financing from own resources is 30%;
max. cumulation SE 15%; SME 7.5%
(g)Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force: 18.11.1991
Date until when remaining in force: 31.12.1996
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 443,185,000
1993: Total budget estimate: S 457,853,000
1994: Total budget estimate: S 469,921,000
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 1,370,000,000 3)
Beginning in year:1992
Ending in:1994G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 68
(i) Estimated number of recipients
More than 100
(j)Other relevant information
Normal; max 2% per year of assessment base, in cases of special economic importance max 4%;
assessment base: normally 70% of total project costs; TOP - investments (highly
innovative, high growth potential): 1% per year additional grant; guarantee: only
available for newly established enterprises; guarantee for max 80% of the assessment
base.
4.Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF)
(a)Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Chancellery (BKA)
(b) Legal basis
ITF-Act ("ITFG"), BGB1.Nr. 603/1987
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Aid for R&D
Secondary objectives: Aid to SMEs; environmental aid; energy saving.
Other objective(s): International R&D projects.
(d)Other relevant information
Note: The ITF is financed by funds from the Federal Chancellery's budget. The Federal Chancellor is
chairman of its supervisory board, the "ITF-Kuratorium". Administration is divided
between the Federal Ministry of Science and Research (part "ITF/FFF", see scheme WF2)
and the Federal Ministry for Public Economy and Transport (part "ITF/ERP", see
scheme WV4).
5. Aid scheme under the Business Structure Improvement Act 1969 (EUROFIT)
Aktion nach dem Gewerbestrukturverbesserungsgesetz 1969 (EUROFIT)
(a)Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b)Legal basis
See (k)G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 69
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Aid to SMEs (horizontal)
Secondary objective: Sectoral aid - food products and beverages industry forwarding.
(d) Form(s) of aid
Grant (max 4% p.a. + 1% TOP investments only); guarantee (TOP investments only 80% of a loan of
max. S 10 million).
(e)Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 11.8%
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: Max 70% of eligible project costs (buildings, machinery and
equipment, design, innovation); max. promoted investment volume S 10 mllion.
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: maturity of loans guaranteed max. 10 years
grace period max, 6 months.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
The aid in question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation: SME max. intensity 7.5%;
SE max. intensity 15%.
(g)Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:1.5.1992
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1994
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure:
1993: Total budget: no breakdown available
1994: Total budget estimate: no breakdown available
(i)Estimated number of recipients
Fewer than 10
(j) Other relevant information
Decision of the Council of Ministers of the Austrian Government (GZ 16.360/31-X/A/5/95 and GZ
16.360/39-X/A/5/94
Gewerbestrukturverbesserungsgesetz 1969, BGB1. Nr. 635/1982 und 577/1989
Guidelines of 18 November 1991, with supplement of June 1994G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 70
6. Bürges Small Business Credit Scheme
Bürges Kleingewerbekreditaktion
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government; Bürges
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b) Legal basis
Sonderrichtlinien auf der Grundlage der Allgemeinen Rahmenrichtlinien
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Aid to SMEs.
Secondary objective: facilitating the access to credit funds for SMEs.
(d)Form(s) of aid
Interest subsidy (normally 8% of assessment base); guarantee.
(e)Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project 5.7% normal 11.3% case of special economic
importance.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: building investments, machinery and equipment; design,
marketing and innovation qualification
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: grant assessment base: max. 70% of total
investment costs, the grant assessment base may not exceed S 500,000.--.
(f)Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
The aid in question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation: generally, the ratio of
financing from own resources is 30%; max. possible cumulation 15%.
(g)Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:1.5.1992
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1996
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 143,450,000
1993: Total budget estimate: S 116,895,000
1994: Total budget estimate: S 117,519,000G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 71
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 377,864,000
Beginning in year:1992
Ending in:1994
(i)Estimated number of recipients
5,000 p.a.
7.Bürges Small Business Credit Scheme*, regional component (basic scheme including regional aid
component)
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central goverment: Regional authority.
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs together with regional governments.
(b) Legal basis
cf. scheme wA 2.0
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Aid to SMEs.
Secondary objective: Regional aid for assisted areas.
(d) Form(s) of aid
(See scheme wA 2.0)
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 8.4%
Aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
(f) Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:1.5.1992
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1994
(g)Budget/expenditure
c.f. scheme 2.0;
Beginning in year:1992
Ending in:1994
(h) Estimated number of recipients
More than 100.
8. Aid Scheme for the Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment (Internationalization) for SMEs.G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 72
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government.
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs, Department III/8
(b) Legal basis
Trust Fund Agreement with the Austrian Federal Chamber of Commerce of July 1990 and of November
1991.
Guidelines of 5 February 1991, amendment of 17 August 1992.
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs.
(d) Form(s) of aid
Guarantee (project and funding)
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 0.5%.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: all costs related to foreign direct investment of SME.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
In general, the different forms of aid under the Aid Scheme for the Promotion of Foreign Direct
Investment (Internationalization) for SMEs can be combined with other aid schemes up
to an aid intensity of 7.5% for medium scale enterprises and 15% for small scale
enterprises.
(g)Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:1991
Date until when remaining in force: 31.7.2000
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expendit.: 0
1993: Total budget estimate: 0
1994: Total budget estimate: 0
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: Since 1991 no losses of outstanding
guarantees have incurred.
Beginning in year: 1991
Ending in:2000G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 73
(i) Estimated number of recipients
From 10 to 50
(j) Other relevant information
Foreign direct investment projects as well as the credit-worthiness and financial standing of the investing
SME are analysed by means of a business plan.
The decision to grant aid and the decision on the extent of the aid granted for a specific investment project
lies with the "Bürges-Förderungsbank des Bundesministeriums für wirtschaftliche
Angelegenheiten Ges.m.b.H.".
Plans to grant aid must be discussed in an advisory board meeting before a decision is taken.
The Bürges Förderungsbank is responsible for verifying compliance with the conditions and requirements
stipulated on award of the subsidy.
9. Young Entrepreneurs Programme
Jungunternehmer-Förderungsaktion
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government; Bürges
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b) Legal basis
Sonderrichtlinie des BMwA auf der Grundlage der Allgemeinen Rahmenrichtlinien für die Gewährung
von Förderungen aus Bundesmitteln
(c)Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Aid to SMEs.
Other objective: Setting up small companies by young entrepreneurs
(d) Form(s) of aid
Grant (normally 10% assessment base); interest subsidy; guarantee.
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 7%.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: building, investment, machinery and equipment, design
marketing, innovation.
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: only guarantees in connection with
take-overs.G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 74
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
The aid in question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation: basically, the ratio of
financing from own resources is 30%.
(g) Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:1.5.1992
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1996
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure S 90,240,000
1993: Total budget estimate: S 86,785,000
1994: Total budget estimate: S 89,445,000
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 266,470,000
Beginning in year:1992
Ending in:1994
(i) Estimated number of recipients
About 1,000 p.a.
10. Young Entrepreneurs Programme (see (k)); regional component
Jungunternehmer Förderungsaktion
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government; regional authority
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs together with Upper
Austria
(b) Legal basis
Scheme wA 3.0; Agreements with the Regional Government of Upper Austria
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Aid to SMEs.
Secondary objective: Sectoral aid; regional aid - assisted areas as defined by Upper Austrian
Tourism Act.
(d) Form(s) of aid
cf. scheme sA 3.0
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is
granted, can be obtained in favour of any one project - 11.2% see Note 4) scheme 3.0G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 75
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: cf. scheme wA 3.0
(f) Cumulation
cf. scheme wA. 3.0
(g) Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:1.5.1992
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1994
(h) Budget/expenditure
Beginning in year: 1992
Ending in: 1994
(i) Estimated number of recipients
More than 100
(j)Other relevant information
Basic scheme including regional aid component.
11."Rooms with all modern conveniences and staff quarters" and "Sanitary installations at camping
sites".
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs.
(b) Legal basis
Directives decreed by the Minister of Economic Affairs on 1.2.1989 and 1.2.1992 respectively
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Sectoral aid - tourism.
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs; regional aid.
(d) Form(s) of aid
Grant - direct premium (non-repayable, one-time contribution).
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 7.5%.G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 76
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: guest rooms and staff quarters sanitary installations at
camping sites.
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: max. aid per investment S 12,000.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
The aid in question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation: Regional aid; Lower
Austria, Tyrol, Carinthia, Salzburg, Burgenland.
(g) Duration of the scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:01.02.1989; 01.02.1992
Date until when remaining in force:probably 2000.
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 28 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 21 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 13 million
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 200 million for 10 years.
Beginning in year: 1992; ending in: probably 2000
(i) Estimated number of recipients
More than 100
12. Restoration Programme for Mountain Rescue Huts
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b) Legal basis
Directives decreed by the Minister of Economic Affairs on 20.12.1993
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Sectoral aid - tourism.
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs; regional aid - applied to remote Alpine zones.
The beneficiaries of this scheme cannot be considered enterprises within the strict meaning of Art. 61
EEA Agreement but rather as part of the touristic infrastructure of the Alpine region.
(d) Form(s) of aidG/SCM/N/3/EEC
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Grant (direct premium (non-repayable, one-time contribution))
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 70%.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
(g) Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:20.12.1992
Date until when remaining in force:probably 2002
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 30 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 30 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 30 million
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 300 million
Beginning in year: 1993
Ending in: probably 2002.
(i)Estimated number of recipients
From 51 to 100
13. Tourismus Promotion Scheme
(Tourismus-Förderungsaktion)
(a)Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b) Legal basis
Directives decreed by the Minister of Economic Affairs on 1.5.1992
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Sectoral aid - tourism; regional aid - assisted areas according to agreements
with regional governments.
Secondary objective: aid to SMEs.
(d) Form(s) of aid
Interest subsidyG/SCM/N/3/EEC
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(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 16%.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
(g) Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:01.05.1992
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1994
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 71 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 85 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 86 million
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 240 million
Beginning in year: 1992
Ending in:1994
(i) Estimated number of recipients
More than 100.
14. Tourism Marketing Promotion Scheme
(Verkaufsförderungsaktion)
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b)Legal basis
Directives decreed by the Minister of Economic Affairs on 31.12.1993
(c)Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Sectoral aid - tourism
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs
(d) Form(s) of aid
Grant; direct premium (non-repayable, one-time contribution)G/SCM/N/3/EEC
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(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 50%.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: Leaflets, prospectuses, sales catalogues, business trips abroad
for distribution and marketing purposes and similar expenses.
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: The maximum amount per applicant and
year is S 100,000.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
(g)Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:31.12.1993 (modification of scheme).
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1996
(h)Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 13.5 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 7.7 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 10 million
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 30 million
Beginning in year: 1994
Ending in: 1996
(i) Estimated number of recipients
More than 100
15. ERP - equivalent scheme
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b)Legal basis
Directives decreed by the Minister of Economic Affairs on 1.4.1993G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 80
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Sectoral aid - tourism
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs; regional aid - see item (f)
(d) Form(s) of aid
Interest subsidy.
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which aid is granted, can be
obtained in favour of any one project - 6.276%.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: accommodation and restaurant enterprises, snow machines,
sanatoria and health care facilities, staff accommodation, but not for the acquisition of
land or premises.
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: repayment periods usually can be up to
10 years; the share of own funding is 30%; the average credit volume aided by this
scheme is usually about S 18 million.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
The aid in question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation: regional aid in
Lower Austria.
(g) Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:01.04.1993 (modification).
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1994
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 122 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 64 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 95 million
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 160 million.
Beginning in year: 1993
Ending in: 1994.
(i) Estimated number of recipients
More than 100.
16.Assistance Scheme for Enterprises in Tourism
Sicherungsmassnahmen im Tourismus
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measureG/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 81
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b)Legal basis
Directives decreed by the Federal Minister of Economic Affairs of 15.1.1976 as amended in December
1993.
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objectives: Aid for rescue and restructuring; sectoral aid.
Secondary objectives: Aid for SMEs; regional aid.
Other objectives: Secure existence of economically viable and particularly important tourism enterprises.
(d)Form(s) of aid
Grant (direct premium, non-repayable, one off contribution); interest subsidy.
(e)Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 10%.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: object of the measure is the enterprise as such.
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: A state of economic distress not attributable
to negligence. Special importance in terms of tourism policy and overall economic
viability of the enterprise.
(f) Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
The aid in question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation to the following extent: an
additional 10% max. from the regional government where the enterprise has its
headquarters.
(g) Duration of the scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:15.1.1976
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.1996
(h)Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 5 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 10 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 10 million
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: 30 million
Beginning in year:1994
Ending in: 1996.G/SCM/N/3/EEC
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(i) Estimated number of recipients
From 10 to 50
17. TOP 2-Aktion
TOP 2-Scheme
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b) Legal basis
Decision of cabinet meeting of 9.10.1981, BMF-Z1.090101/9-V/2/81 Agreement between the Republic of
Austria and Österreichische Investitionskredit AG, 26.5.1982, and Supplementary
Agreement, 23.1.1984 Guidelines.
(c)Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Aid for R&D.
Other objective: Aid for intangible innovation - support investment projects.
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs; regional aid - "assisted areas".
(d) Form(s) of aid
Interest subsidy.
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project (within the limits of EC start aid rules = 3.7%).
The aid is not restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: (Intangible investment (e.g. software programme development,
introduction of planning, organisation and control tools, establishment and development
of industrial design and quality control activities)).
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: eligibility determined according to 22 criteria
for assessment of enterprises and projects;
Amount of loan: S 2.5-30 million per enterprise per year;
Maturity: 5 years; grace period up to 2 years; repayment in semi-annual instalments.
(f)Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are excluded from receiving aid from other source? Project costs eligible
under this scheme are excluded from other schemes.
(g)Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:23.1.84G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 83
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.94 renegotiable yearly.
(h)Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 5 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 10 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 21 million (Federal budget allocation: S 400 million (for
TOP 2 and TOP FU - see relevant form - plus residual commitments under TOP 1
scheme, which ended 1989)).
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 21 million
Beginning in year: 1.1.94
Ending in: 31.12.94
(i)Estimated number of recipients
From 10 to 50 per year
(j)Other relevant information
-Decision to grant aid is made by a politically independent commission.
-Regular evaluation by the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (österr. Institut für
Wirtschaftsforschung)
- 1993: subjected to examination by the Public Audit Office (Rechnungshof).
18. TOP FU-Aktion
TOP-FU-Scheme
(a)Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b) Legal basis
Decision of cabinet meeting of 9.10.81, BMF-Z1.090101/9-V/2/81 Agreement between the Republic of
Austria and Osterreichische Investitionskredit AG, 26.5.82, and Supplementary
Agreement, 14.7.82 Guidelines
(c)Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Aid for R&D;
Other objective: Aid for industrial development/innovation projects.
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs; environmental aid; energy-saving; regional aid -"assisted
areas".G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 84
(d) Form(s) of aid
Interest subsidy.
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - (within the limits of EC start aid rules = 3.7%).
The aid is not restricted exclusively to SMEs.
State the categories of expenditure eligible for aid: Costs of development to prototype stage (production
start-up) personnel, training, consultancy fees.
Guidelines: buildings up to 25% of project costs and buildings, land and market development together up
to 40% of project costs.
Other conditions, limitations or criteria for granting the aid: eligibility determined according to 27 criteria
for assessment of enterprises and projects; amount of loan: 2.5-70 million per
enterprise/year; Maturity: 10 yrs; grace period up to 5 years; repayment in
semi-annual instalments.
(f) Cumulation
Projections aided under the scheme are excluded from receiving aid from other sources. Project costs
eligible under this scheme are excluded from other schemes.
(g) Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:14.7.82.
Date until when remaining in force:31.12.94.
(h)Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 220 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 251 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 248 million (Federal budget allocation: S 400 million (for TOP FU
and TOP 2 - see relevant form - plus residual commitments under TOP 1 scheme,
which ended 1989)).
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: S 248 million.
Beginning in year: 1.1.1994
Ending in: 31.12.1994
(i) Estimated number of recipients
From 10 to 50 per year.
(j) Other relevant information
- Decision to grant aid is made by a politically independent commission.
-Regular evaluation by the Austrian Institute of Economic Research (österr. Institut für
Wirtschaftsforschung)
- 1993: subjected to examination by the Public Audit Office (Rechnungshof)G/SCM/N/3/EEC
Page 85
19.District Heating Promotion Scheme Fernwärmeförderung.
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government.
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b) Legal basis
Fernwärmeförderungsgesetz 1982 i.d.g.F. District Heating Promotion Act (as amended)
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Environmental aid; energy-saving; sectoral aid.
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs; aid to employment; regional aid - air-polluted and densely populated
areas.
(d) Form(s) of aid
Grant.
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project - 13.3%.
The aid is not restricted exclusively to SMEs.
Categories of expenditure eligible for aid: district heating plants (renewable energies), new production and
distribution systems.
(f)Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are excluded from receiving aid from other sources; exceptionally
Biomass.
Decisions are taken separately by the federal and regional Governments or local authorities.
(g)Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:10.12.1982.
Date until when remaining in force:modification under discussion.
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 171,505 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 163,670 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 155,480 million
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: ca. S 1,170 million
Beginning in year: 1984
Ending in: 1993G/SCM/N/3/EEC
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(i) Estimated number of recipients
More than 100.
20. Grants for Small Power Plants
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government.
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs
(b) Legal basis
Guidelines of 1.1.1983.
(c) Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Sectoral aid - Energy (Hydropower).
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs; environmental aid.
(d)Form(s) of aid
Grant.
(e) Rules and conditions
Maximum possible aid intensity that, according to the rules and conditions on which the aid is granted, can
be obtained in favour of any one project 8%.
The aid is restricted exclusively to SMEs.
(f)Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
(g)Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:1.1.1983
Date until when remaining in force:unlimited.
(h) Budget/Expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 6.6 million
1993: Total budget estimate: S 5.8 million
1994: Total budget estimate: S 6.0 million
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme: ca. S 78 million
Beginning in year: 1983
Ending in: 1993
(i) Estimated number of recipientsG/SCM/N/3/EEC
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From 10 to 50.
21. Mining Assistance
Bergbauförderung
(a) Level of government responsible for scheme or aid measure
Central government.
Name of responsible authority: Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs.
(b) Legal basis
Mining Assistance Act 1979
(BGB1.Nr. 137/1979)
(c)Objective(s) of scheme or aid measure
Primary objective: Sectoral aid - mining sector.
Secondary objective: Aid to SMEs; aid to employment; regional aid. The underlying rationale of this
support measure is to guarantee the supply of mineral products, especially with regard to
Austria's neutrality. Exploration and prospecting efforts, rationalization and
environmental measures of mining enterprises may be supported.
(d)Form(s) of aid
Grant (7% of investment costs to explorers or 25 to 33% of prospecting and exploration costs); soft loan;
interest subsidy. Liquidators of unprofitable enterprises may be supported.
(e)Rules and conditions
The aid is not restricted exclusively to SMEs.
(f)Cumulation
Projects aided under the scheme are not excluded from receiving aid from other sources.
The aid in question may be combined with other aid schemes in operation: only within the limits
indicated in the guidelines.
(g)Duration of scheme
Date of aid scheme coming into force:since 1963
Date until when remaining in force:unlimited.
(h) Budget/expenditure
1992: Actual total expenditure: S 164,522,000
1993: Actual total expenditure: S 208,870,000
1994: Total budget estimate: ATS 220,000.000
Total budget estimate for the whole planning period of the scheme:
Beginning in year: 1995
Ending in: 2002