On July 27, 2026, the European Commission released the 'Guidance on State aid measures for social support and social investments'. This guidance aims to assist member states in designing state aid measures that align with EU regulations for social objectives.

The document builds on the Clean Industrial Deal and consolidates available information regarding the application of state aid rules in the context of social support and investments. It serves as a practical tool for national authorities to navigate the existing EU legal framework.

The guidance outlines state aid rules across various sectors, including: services of general economic interest such as social and affordable housing, healthcare, and other public interest services; support for the employment of disadvantaged workers and those with disabilities; education, training, and skill enhancement support; energy efficiency initiatives for households and communities as part of the green transition; and access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups with social benefits.

Additionally, the guidance explains the fundamental principles of applying state aid rules. It includes general information on public support measures that may not constitute state aid under certain conditions, as well as an overview of the options for providing state aid in accordance with current EU rules. The document also references key secondary law instruments and related guidelines from the European Commission, particularly the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER), de minimis aid rules, and rules for services of general economic interest (SGEI).

The European Commission describes the guidance as a 'living tool' that will be continuously updated to reflect future developments in the EU legal framework regarding state aid, including anticipated changes to the General Block Exemption Regulation.

The guidance is available on the website of the Slovak Antimonopoly Office under the section for European Commission Methodological Guidelines. The original document can also be accessed on the European Commission's website.