On Monday 27 April, the European Commission authorised a Polish aid scheme in the form of repayable advances, with a total budget of €16.6 billion intended to support the Polish economy in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. The scheme was approved under the Temporary Framework for State Aid adopted by the Commission on 19 March, as amended on 3 April 2020.
The scheme will be open to micro-companies (excluding self-employed workers) and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) facing economic difficulties and liquidity shortages due to the coronavirus outbreak. The measure is expected to benefit around 350,000 micro-enterprises and 26,000 SMEs, if they report a decrease in revenues of at least 25% in any month after 1 February 2020, when compared to either the previous month or the same month last year.
Aid provided to seafarers for maritime transport. In addition, the European Commission has approved under the (standard) EU State Aid rules, the extension to new types of vessels of a scheme supporting the maritime transport sector in Belgium.
Under the existing scheme, seafarers employed on self-propelled vessels registered in a Member State of the European Economic Area (EEA) can benefit from a reduction in social security contributions.
The scheme covers vessels transporting goods and passengers, as well as towing and dredging vessels. The amended scheme aims to extend this aid to research vessels, pipe- and cable-laying vessels, as well as vessels for the raising, repair and dismantling of wind turbines and other off-shore installations.
This amendment is in line with the Commission's interpretation of the guidelines on State Aid to maritime transport.
The Commission concluded that the extension, which will expire at the same time as the existing regime on 31 December 2022, is in line with these guidelines because it will contribute to the competitiveness of the EU maritime transport sector, while boosting employment and ensuring a level playing field. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)