The handbook is a completely revised and updated version of the "Handbuch des Europäischen Beihilferechts", first published in German in 2003. The handbook is of general interest to competition lawyers and is not specifically concerned with German law or legal practice.

European State Aid Law has gained considerably in importance over the last decade. The number of proceedings before the Commission has escalated and the European Courts are increasingly involved with disputes concerning state aid. This handbook endeavours to provide practical guidance in State Aid cases. It fully incorporates the EU Commission State Aid Action Plan ('Less and better targeted state aid: a roadmap for state aid reform 2005-2009'), published mid 2008, and the new version of the General Block Exemption Regulation.

The main topics are covered are:
Basic principles
Elements of state aid
Compatibility of state aid with the Common Market according to Art. 87 Sec.2 and Sec.3 ECT
Block Exemption Regulations
Public enterprises
Commission proceedings according to Council Reg. (EC) No. 659/ 1999
Proceedings before the European Courts

To meet the needs of practitioners in Europe and beyond, the handbook also covers state aid concerning venture capital, agriculture and steel.