11.   Market-distorting activities arise from state aids such as subsidies, tax concessions, and other financial help given to domestic companies.

12.   Consequently just as in competition policy, EC policy on state aids has been drafted in a way designed to take account of this dichotomy.

13.   Yet there are many ways in which market failure can arise, and State aid in those circumstances can form a legitimate means of corrective intervention.

14.   This is all the more important since it is in the area of State aid that there is likely to be greater conflict between national and EC interests.

15.   In this way, the Commission has attempted to ensure a true regional dimension to state aid.

16.   The EC has approved the scheme, saying that it did not amount to state aid to industry.

17.   Although state aid absorbs most of the costs, the takeover puts constant upward pressure on property taxes without a tangible progress in classroom results.

18.   Although poll takers say she remains very popular, local taxpayers tend to blame her administration when the gap in state aid is closed with money from their wallets.

19.   Analysts and a lawyer specializing in EU law relating to state aid said that Swedish banks are an obvious target for the commission.

20.   Among its major criticisms, the board rebuked the mayor for relying too heavily on state aid that was unlikely to materialize.