The European Commission has set its focus on a green future and adopted the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework (CISAF). This initiative, resulting in a set of new “green” rules, forms part of the European Union’s policy aimed at strengthening the resilience of the European industrial sector.
The EU prioritises a sustainable future by supporting domestic production, the development of renewable energy sources, and the decarbonisation of energy-intensive industries to ensure sufficient manufacturing capacity.
Scope of the CISAF Framework
The CISAF framework enables companies to access public funding under clear rules and simplified procedures when investing in new clean technologies. It also complements the Guidelines on State aid for climate, environmental protection and energy (CEEAG) and the Guidelines on Regional State Aid, as well as the Net Zero Industry Act.
The CISAF state aid rules focus on five key areas:
- Deployment of renewable and low-carbon fuels
- Temporary relief concerning electricity prices for energy-intensive users (EIUs), aimed at ensuring a transition towards low electricity costs
- Decarbonisation of existing production facilities
- Development of clean technology manufacturing capacity within the EU
- Reduction of investment risks in renewable energy source
Given the structure of its industrial base and renewable energy policy, Slovakia is expected to implement measures in the areas of temporary price relief, decarbonisation, and the development of clean technology manufacturing capacities.
Below we summarise the key features of selected areas likely to be most relevant for Slovak companies.
| Measure | Criteria | Requirement |
| Temporary Price Relief (Electricity Price) | – State aid must not exceed 50% of the average wholesale market price in the bidding zone to which the beneficiary is connected. – The maximum limit applies to 50% of annual energy consumption. – The reduced price must be at least EUR 50/MWh. | The beneficiary must invest at least 50% of the aid received into new or modernised assets.
The aid is limited to a three-year period (until 31 December 2030) |
| Industrial Decarbonisation | – The investment payback period must not exceed five years. – A minimum reduction of 10% in energy consumption must be achieved in decarbonised processes. – May also apply under the safe harbour provisions. | Aid is granted at a level of 30–60% of eligible costs or according to the funding gap.
The maximum amount of aid must not exceed EUR 200 million. |
| Development of Clean Technology Manufacturing Capacity | – Applies to the production of batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, heat pumps, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) equipment. – Also applicable to the production of critical raw materials. | Aid may be granted either through a scheme (with transparent rules not requiring prior approval by the European Commission) or as individual aid. |
Duration of State Aid
EU state aid under the CISAF framework will apply from 25 June 2025 until 31 December 2030.
Although CISAF is binding for all Member States, it allows each country to determine its own mechanisms for implementing the main areas of support. The Slovak Republic has not yet published further details; however, the support scheme for the development of clean technology manufacturing capacities is scheduled to open on 1 January 2026. It is therefore advisable for businesses to focus on the appropriate selection and preparation for the chosen application mechanisms.
Applications submitted before 1 January 2026 will remain subject to the provisions of the previous framework, TCTF (Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework).
