Sweden has modified its press aid support system and is now aligned with European Union state aid rules, Europolitics.info reported yesterday.

The aid scheme, which has been in place since 1971, aims to maintain media pluralism in the country by providing, among others, funds to the second largest daily in each city.

Last year, after receiving several complaints, the European Commission proposed amendments to the system "in order to avoid disproportionate distortions of competition and trade," a press release revealed.

Now the Commission said to be satisfied with Sweden's modifications. In particular, with "the support given to metropolitan newspapers, introducing support ceilings, reporting obligations and a reduced maximum aid levels," Europolitics.info explained.