The European Commission adopted on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 May several support schemes in the context of Covid-19, under the Temporary Framework for State Aid of 19 March 2020 (amended on 3 April 2020).
Hungary. On 7 May, the Commission authorised a Hungarian scheme to support the agri-food value chain in the context of the pandemic. This scheme is expected to mobilise EUR 314 million. The scheme will be open to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) active in all sectors, but it is aimed more broadly at the agri-food value chain. The objective of the measure is to provide those companies with financial means to cover their immediate working capital and investment needs, and help them maintain their activities during these difficult times.
Finland. The Commission approved two Finnish schemes on 6 May, with a total budget of €40 million to support the agriculture and fisheries sectors in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The support takes the form of direct grants and the schemes have an estimated total budget of €40 million (€30 million for agriculture and €10 million for fishery and aquaculture).
The aim of the schemes is to help these businesses cope with the liquidity problems brought about by the coronavirus outbreak by covering part of their salary, rent and other vital operating expenses necessary to continue their activities.
The Commission found that the Finnish measures are in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, under the schemes the maximum amount of aid that can be granted does not exceed €100,000 for undertakings active in primary agricultural production or €120,000 for undertakings active in fishery and aquaculture.
Czech Republic. The Commission approved a €7.3 million Czech aid scheme on 7 May, to support research and development (R&D) activities related to coronavirus.
The public support will take the form of direct grants. The scheme will be accessible to all Czech companies that are capable of carrying out relevant R&D projects in all sectors. The aid will cover 75% of the relevant R&D costs. Furthermore, any results of the research activities will be made available to third parties in the European Economic Area through non-exclusive licences. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)