On 14 April 2010, the European Commission authorised two separate State aid schemes aimed at promoting environmental objectives by developing energy-saving technologies. France’s grant of repayable advances totalling €35 million to Daher-Socata and Sogerma to develop parts for the future Airbus A350 XWB was cleared under the EU Framework for State aid for research, development and innovation. The Commission found that the projects, intended to produce new lightweight aircraft components that will reduce fuel consumption, qualified for State aid in a climate where private investors are reluctant to provide long-term research funding. The aid provided was judged to be appropriate and proportional to the size of the projects. The second case involved a government grant in Germany of €19 million to the Salzgitter AG group. The aid was approved under EU guidelines on State aid for environmental objectives. The Commission decided that the company’s plan to develop an energy-saving steel production project that uses the Direct Strip Casting technique would produce positive results for the environment and that the aid was proportionate and necessary for the project to succeed.