The main characteristics of "Strategic Investments" are the following:
- Attracting investment capital
- Extroversion and export activity
- Innovation
- Competitiveness
- Integrated planning
- Saving natural resources in the perspective of the circular economy
- High added value, especially in areas of economic activity of internationally tradable products or services
Investment Incentives provided
Under the new institutional framework, the incentives provided for each investment vary according to its characteristics and the category to which it belongs. In detail:
Fast Track Incentive
For all "Strategic" investments, a strict 45-day deadline is given to the relevant authorities for the issuance of any required permit or approval for the execution of works, installation or operation, including zoning permits.
Incentives for siting
These incentives include the possibility of including a non-adjacent area in the investment, as well as an increase in the maximum building factor in certain cases. It is also possible to expropriate real estate or to establish a lien on it in order to serve the Strategic Investments and the accompanying ancillary works.
Tax Incentives
Investments which meet the necessary conditions are entitled to maintain the tax rate applicable at the time of their classification for a period of 12 years from their completion and until the aid is exhausted. They may also obtain income tax exemption for a period of between 3 and 15 years or accelerated tax depreciation of fixed assets by increasing the depreciation rates by 100,00 % in order to reduce the taxable profit.
Incentives to support expenditure
In most subcategories, aid in the form of a grant or subsidy, i.e. the provision of a sum of money by the State, is possible. In particular, a subsidy is provided for the recruitment of disadvantaged and disabled workers, with a maximum aid amount of € 5 million per investment project. In addition, research and development projects can be supported, with grants of up to €20 million if they concern industrial research, up to €15 million for experimental development and up to €7.5 million for feasibility studies and preparation of research activities. In addition, where applicable, grants may be awarded to investment projects to cover part of the supported costs. Additional types of aid include grants for the leasing of new machinery and equipment and grants to cover the costs of employment creation.