61% of undertakings assessed their knowledge of state aid as unimpressive. High complexity of procedures and bureaucracy are problematic to many entities – as reveals the latest survey by UOKiK

The funds awarded by the state, given at more favourable than market conditions and putting selected undertakings in a privileged position constitute the state aid. These are inter alia grants, benefits, tax concessions aimed at providing support to entrepreneurs of a given industry (sectoral aid), or less developed EU regions (regional aid). The initial data collected by UOKiK reveals that in the year 2011 the value of aid granted amounted to PLN 21.5 billion. The President of UOKiK issues her opinion on the aid schemes, notifies them to the European Commission, represents the government of Poland in proceedings before the Commission and the European courts. Furthermore, the responsibilities of the President of UOKiK include the monitoring of aid granted to Polish undertakings, i.e. collecting, processing and the transfer of data as regards the state aid. All entities involved in awarding the aid provide the President of UOKiK with a report on granted state aid or information on failing to grant the aid. UOKiK checks on regularly basis the knowledge of undertakings as regards the rules for granting state aid.

How do undertakings assess their knowledge?

A majoraty of respondents (61.8%) assessed their knowledge as weak or rather weak. Micro enterprises expressed the best opinion on state aid rules. The surveyed were also asked to point these institutions which are state aid donors. And as a result 40% of respondents wrongfully claimed that the President of UOKiK is responsible for granting state aid. It is worth noting that this aid is awarded by the state or comes from public funds.

Do undertakings apply for granting state aid?

Nearly 25% of surveyed entrepreneurs applied for granting state aid in the years 2010-2011. Micro enterprises revealed the slightest tendency in applying for aid – 13.8%, compared to the greatest interest in aid represented by big companies – 30.2%

Nearly 25% of surveyed entrepreneurs applied for granting state aid in the years 2010-2011. Micro enterprises revealed the slightest tendency in applying for aid – 13.8%, compared to the greatest interest in aid represented by big companies – 30.2%. Undertakings did not apply for granting state aid for a number of reasons, e.g. they found it unnecessary, insignificant in aid value, lack of knowledge, information, time, or bureaucracy and complex procedures.

The research concerning the knowledge of competition law and rules for granting state aid in Poland was conducted by EU-Consult from March to May 2012 amongst 1200 undertakings. Questions were responded by representatives of four groups of undertakings providing employment respectively to 9, 10-49, 50-249 and over 250 persons.

Additional information for the media:
Małgorzata Cieloch, Spokesperson for UOKiK
Department of International Relations and Communication
Pl. Powstańców Warszawy 1, 00-950 Warszawa
Phone: +48 22 827 28 92, 55 60 314
Fax: +48 22 826 11 86
E-mail: [SCODE]bWFsZ29yemF0YS5jaWVsb2NoQHVva2lrLmdvdi5wbA==[ECODE]