On Wednesday 20 May, the European Commission adopted several national support schemes to help businesses suffering from the negative effects of the coronavirus pandemic. The schemes were approved under the Temporary Framework for State Aid measures adopted by the Commission on 19 March, as amended on 3 April and 8 May 2020.
Italy. The Commission has approved a €70 million aid scheme to support companies active in the agriculture and fisheries sectors in the Campania region in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The support will take the form of direct grants. The measure is expected to support more than 1,000 companies. The aid will not exceed €120,000 per company active in the fisheries and aquaculture sector and €100,000 per company active in the primary production of agricultural products.
Denmark. The green light has been given to the amendment of a Danish scheme to compensate operators for cancellation or postponement of events: - the duration of the measure is extended to cover events that should have taken place between 6 March and 31 August 2020; - the scheme will now be accessible to event organisers with more than 350 participants (previously it was for more than 1,000 participants); - the budget increases from €12 million to €310 million.
Lithuania. The previously approved subsidised loan scheme has been modified to further support the Lithuanian economy (the scheme is increased from €100 million to €200 million and the maximum loan duration will be extended from 36 to 72 months).
Austria. The Commission approved several Austrian regional aid schemes (€84 million in total) to support companies and investment in research, development, testing and production of coronavirus relevant products.
Hungary. A €99 million scheme for the agri-food, fisheries and aquaculture, forestry and game management (hunting) sectors has been approved. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)