The European Commission authorised on Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 April several State Aid schemes to support the economy and businesses in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The schemes were authorised under the Temporary Framework for State Aid measures, adopted by the Commission on 19 March, as amended on 3 April 2020.
Poland. The Commission has authorised 11 Polish State Aid schemes with a total budget of 7.8 billion euros to support the Polish economy. The 11 aid schemes will enable Poland to help businesses and the self-employed to meet their immediate liquidity needs. Official support will take the form of direct grants, repayable advances, tax and payment advantages, deferrals of tax payments and wage subsidies. The schemes are expected to benefit some 2.5 million businesses, including 2 million self-employed workers.
Malta. The 5.3 million euros Maltese direct grants scheme to support investment in research and development (R&D) related to the coronavirus pandemic has been given the green light. The scheme was approved under the Temporary Framework for State Aid measures adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April 2020. The scheme will be open to companies of all sizes, including public entities, that have an establishment in Malta and intend to carry out research and development projects on coronavirus and other antiviral relevant R&D projects.
The objective of this scheme is to support the development of innovative solutions, such as relevant medicines and treatments, medical devices, hospital and medical equipment, disinfectants, data collection and processing tools and applications that promote better dissemination of health authorities’ recommendations. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)