Public aid and EU funds

We help entrepreneurs obtaining EU funding to assess whether their project is subject to state aid regulations and under what conditions support may be granted. Our advice covers both investment and research and development projects, as well as regional support programs and de minimis aid. We support entities preparing grant applications, assess the compliance of documentation with legal regulations, and help secure the interests of beneficiaries vis-à-vis institutions managing public funds.

We also advise entities granting public aid, including local governments, institutions implementing programs, and operators of financial instruments. We support them in the proper design of support mechanisms in accordance with EU regulations and European Commission guidelines. Our law firm represents clients in proceedings related to public aid, both before national supervisory authorities and before the European Commission and the Court of Justice of the European Union.

KWKR has many years of experience in advising on state aid and EU funds. We have supported beneficiaries and implementing institutions in dozens of projects co-financed by EU funds, including national and regional operational programs. We have advised large industrial companies, SMEs, research institutions, and non-governmental organizations.

We have represented beneficiaries in financial correction proceedings, in disputes with controlling institutions, and in negotiations with intermediary institutions. Our experience also includes legal services for audits of publicly funded projects and cooperation with controlling institutions.

Cooperation with a law firm that knows the EU funding system “from the inside” is the key to the safe use of public aid and the efficient implementation of investment projects. Entrepreneurs and institutions need not only support in obtaining funds, but also legal protection in the event of audits, disputes or the need to return subsidies. Our law firm offers comprehensive advice on public aid – both at the investment planning stage and during implementation, settlement and defense of the beneficiary’s interests.

The KWKR team combines legal knowledge with experience in working on large projects financed by EU funds, which allows us to effectively advise both businesses and public sector institutions. We understand the complexity of the system, know how institutions work in practice, and can help you avoid the legal and financial risks associated with the incorrect application of public aid law. This allows our clients to focus fully on development and innovation, rather than on potential bureaucratic barriers.

Public aid is support provided by the state or public institutions. Under EU law, any subsidy or other form of financial support financed from public funds must comply with strict conditions of compatibility with the rules on public aid. This applies in particular to projects co-financed by EU funds, implemented by entrepreneurs, local government units or other entities.

Companies benefiting from subsidies should be aware that even unintentional violations of state aid rules may result in the obligation to repay the funds with interest. De minimis aid, regional aid, or investment aid—each of these forms of support is governed by different regulations. In addition, aid granting institutions must ensure that their actions comply with EU regulations and do not lead to projects being challenged by the European Commission.

Our law firm provides support in all aspects of state aid – from eligibility assessment and compliance with legal regulations to representation in proceedings and before EU authorities. In the area of EU funds, it is worth acting in advance and with full awareness of the risks – that is why it is worth taking advantage of experienced legal advice.