ESA finds financial aid to Sandnes Ulf Arena in Norway to be in line with EEA state-aid rules

The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today concluded that financial aid provided by the Municipality of Sandnes for the construction of Sandnes Ulf Arena is in line with EEA rules. ESA has therefore closed the case.

ESA in May 2020 received a complaint concerning eight support measures undertaken by Sandnes municipality to Sandnes Ulf Arena for the construction of a football stadium ("Østerhus Arena").

ESA assessed the eight measures, of which five were found to fall under the General Block Exemption Regulation (GBER). The GBER sets out several requirements for specific categories of state aid to be compatible with the EEA Agreement and are therefore exempt from prior notification to ESA. GBER also allows for investment and operational aid to sports- and multipurpose facilities, subject to certain criteria.

Of the other measures assessed, one falls under the limit that needs to be notified to ESA, and is considered as so-called "de-minimis aid" (up to EUR 200 000 over a three-year period). One is considered to not constitute state aid within the meaning of the EEA agreement, and the final measure is considered compatible with EEA rules in that it facilitates the development of the economic activities of sport and culture, and does not adversely affect competition and trade.

ESA assessed the measures by actively gathering information, as well as conducting talks with Norwegian authorities. Having assessed the relevant information, ESA finds that the measures are in line with EEA rules.

ESA's decision is available here.