The Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC) has started a public consultation regarding a draft guide aimed at the proper use, design, and evaluation of public aid. This initiative is open until March 27 and seeks input from various stakeholders including businesses, consumers, and public administrations.

The guide's primary goal is to provide practical recommendations to ensure that public aid is not only compliant with EU state aid regulations but also effectively designed to avoid unnecessary market distortions. The CNMC emphasizes that the analysis of public aid should extend beyond mere compliance to include considerations such as the type of aid instrument and the selection of beneficiaries.

The consultation document outlines three key phases for evaluating public aid: prior to granting aid, during the design of the aid, and in the subsequent evaluation. It stresses the importance of understanding market dynamics and ensuring that aid measures are necessary, efficient, and proportionate.

Furthermore, the CNMC highlights the need for evaluations to focus on the effectiveness and efficiency of aid, rather than just monitoring expenditure. The draft also includes a checklist of recommendations and information about the CNMC's advisory capabilities in this area.