The European Commission has launched a public consultation on the application of the EU Framework on state aid rules for shipbuilding, with a view to determining whether to maintain it unchanged, revise it or repeal it. The current Framework came into effect at the beginning of 2004, was prolonged in 2006 and 2008 and will expire at the end of 2011. The Framework contains provisions that are unique for the shipbuilding industry, including provisions about the use of aid for innovation, provisions for facilitating the closure of non-viable capacity and specific rules on aid for shipyards located in less developed regions