This title provides a detailed analysis of this ever developing field of Community law. Based primarily on Articles 87 and 88 EC and now supplemented by secondary legislation, in particular Council Regulation (EC) No 659/1999, the European Commission and the Court of Justice have sought to ensure that State aid is directed towards recipients in such a way that the European economy as a whole benefits. The book places State aid law and policy in context with a fully coherent and integrated exposition of the subject. The concept of State aid and its function as a tool of Community law and economic development is explained by reference to the substantial jurisprudence of the European Courts and to the policy instruments adopted by the Commission in declaring certain aid compatible with the Common Market. The Commission's supervisory powers as well as the means of enforcing State aid law in the courts are also fully explained.