The European Commission is gathering views on its first draft of a revised communication on the application of EU state aid rules to short-term export credit insurance. In light of the comments received, the Commission will adopt a reviewed communication in December 2012.

The current rules on short term export credit insurance define the criteria under which Member States can support export-credit insurance in line with EU state aid rules. In January 2009, the Commission set a temporary framework for State aid measures within the current crisis situation. The European Commission is now inviting to comment on its first draft of a revised communication on the application of these rules. Comments on the draft communication should be submitted by 21 September.

The Commission proposes as main changes the identification of possible market gaps that could justify State intervention; the introduction of conditions under which such intervention can take place in line with EU state aid rules; and the possibility to modify the list of marketable risks countries.

The principles for State intervention in the sector of short term export insurance were laid down for the first time in 1997. The rules were subsequently amended and their validity extended in 2001, 2004, 2005, 2010. The Commission proposes to clarify and simplify the current rules which will expire on 31 December 2012.