EC ALLOWS FRENCH SUBSIDIES FOR NEW SHORT-SEA SERVICES

EC ALLOWS FRENCH SUBSIDIES FOR NEW SHORT-SEA SERVICES    The European Commission has authorized the French government to cover up to 30 percent of the operating costs of new short-sea shipping services during the first three years of operations.
   “The principal obstacle to developing short-sea shipping services is the high cost of start-up,” the EC said. “The line taken by the French authorities is to add national aid to the European support measures for short-sea shipping by financing projects that would not qualify for Community funding because only national operators are involved.”
   The promotion of short-sea shipping is one of the priorities of the EC’s transport policy. The EC wants to promote alternatives to road for freight transport to combat congestion.
   In December 2000, the EC has also authorized France to finance feasibility studies designed to identify potential new short- sea shipping services.