RIVISTA DI DIRITTO TRIBUTARIO INTERNAZIONALE - Rdti.it

Se::.iOl1e IV - Appwui e rassegne
We do hope that our efforts \Vili give concrete results and that together
\vith the introduction of attractive investment and operating
regimes far the shipping sectar Europe wi1l succeed in maintaining a
highly qualified shipping industry which it dearl)' needs as a main trading
entity in the worId.
From the above the positive results of the Guidelines are evident.
However. il is also dear that the experience with its full application is stili
very recent and has in some countries still to start. Therefore the attractive
regimes should be long tenn.
As stated in the Guidelines:
"In principle. operaling aid should be exceptional, lemporary and degressive.
In the case of maritime transport, hotvever, the problem or the
competiliveness of Ihe EC Ileel on the 1V0rid markel is a slruelural one, deriving
in large parI from eXlemal faetors. As tlze immediale prospecIs of resolving
Ihis costs gap problem do noI appear good, Ihe need for aid measures
lo allow ship01vners to operate Community-registered ships competitively
in the globalmarket is noI likely to be shorl temI".
Since \Ve are moreover dealing with clear long terrn investments a
durable European regime is key. The State Aid Guidelines for maritime
transport should remain in force for a longer peri od in an unchanged
fonn. This ,,'ili contribute in maintaining in Europe a maritime sector I 397
and maritime kno\'l.' how which it deserves as main trading entity on a
global basis.
RIVISTA DI DlRITIO TRlBCTARIO INTER\'AZIO\ALE 312001