An equal playing field in terms of competition based on the principle of a free market is indispensable to effective operation of the Single Market. This means that public aid can only be used under strict regulations which ensure equal access of all eligible parties to public aid, transparency of decisions, and verification of results. Public aid that distorts or may distort competition by privileging some companies or products is unacceptable.

Businesses may get aid in three main situations:

• regional aid for the poorest regions (GDP per capita less than 75% of the Community average; this is true of all regions of Poland; the level of aid must be adjusted to the scale of economic and social problems and must not be more than 50% of the individual investment);
• horizontal aid available to all businesses, regardless of the location or sector, provided that they undertake relevant projects;
• sector aid available to sectors which need public support due to specific problems.

An equal playing field in competition outlaws contracts that would hinder competition, bans companies from abusing the dominant position, and ensures control of concentration of business.