ESA publishes annual report 2024
The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has published its 2024 Annual Report, which provides an overview of its work and priorities. Key initiatives in 2024 have focused on enhancing cooperation and establishing a more structured dialogue with the Commission.
With regards to State aid, ESA reports that the State aid landscape saw a surge in activity, with a record number of decisions (21) and several large, complex cases.
ESA launched six formal investigations, including probes into suspected State aid provided by Norway to Vy Buss via the Vy Group, and to Bane NOR and certain of its contractual partners.
ESA maintained a strong focus on green transition measures and worked closely with States to prioritise other cases. It also gave priority to complaints involving potential market distortion or foreclosure in key sectors.
Moreover, ESA introduced a new, more efficient monitoring approach that prioritises key elements of assessments and provides general recommendations to national authorities. This method allows ESA to better target its efforts and optimise resources. First applied in the 2023–2024 cycle, it has enabled ESA to complete reviews of four Norwegian and one Icelandic scheme.
For more information, see ESA’s report.