On Tuesday 12 May, the European Commission adopted several business support schemes in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.
The schemes were accepted under the State Aid Temporary Framework adopted on 19 March (as amended on 3 April and 8 May 2020). The new text, amended on 8 May, has just been published in the Official Journal of the EU (https://bit.ly/2YYtvs1 ).
Belgium. On 12 May the Commission authorised a €25 million Belgian aid scheme to support coronavirus-related research and development (R&D) activities in Wallonia. Public support will take the form of direct grants and repayable advances. The scheme is open to all companies active in Wallonia capable of carrying out R&D projects to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. The aim of the scheme is to find solutions to the current health crisis, particularly through diagnostic solutions and through the development and approval of treatments and vaccines. The aid will cover 80% of R&D costs for SMEs and 60% for large companies. In addition, all the results of research activities carried out under the scheme will be made available to third parties in the European Economic Area under non-exclusive licences.
Croatia. A Croatian scheme of around €322 million for loan guarantees and subsidised loans for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has been approved. The scheme aims to improve access to external finance for the SMEs that are most seriously affected, thus ensuring the continuation of their activities.
Latvia. The Commission has authorised a €1.5 million Latvian aid scheme to support businesses in the primary agricultural production sector affected by the pandemic. This support will be available to companies of all sizes operating in this sector. Aid will be granted in the form of zero-interest loans by the Rural Support Service, a public administrative body under the supervision of the Latvian Ministry of Agriculture.
The scheme will enable enterprises in the primary agricultural production sector to stabilise their cash flow and pay for goods delivered to them, as well as raw materials (such as seeds, seedlings, phytosanitary products and mineral fertilisers) and services. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)