On Wednesday 17 June, the European Commission approved several national schemes under the Temporary Framework for state aid adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April 2020 and 8 May 2020.
Italy. The Commission has given the go-ahead for amendments to the previously approved Italian scheme to compensate self-employed workers and companies (with less than 500 employees) affected by the coronavirus. The existing scheme was approved on 13 April. The budget for this measure has been considerably increased to €25 billion (instead of €1.7 billion previously) and is expected to mobilise €150 billion. In addition, the maturity of fully guaranteed loans of up to €30,000 has been extended from six to ten years.
Cyprus. The Commission has approved a €1.8 million Cypriot programme to support farmers active in primary agricultural production affected by coronavirus. The support will take the form of direct grants. The plan will be accessible to: - holdings engaged in the primary agricultural production of fresh vegetables, strawberries and herbs; - holdings engaged in the primary agricultural production of oranges of the Valencia variety; - holdings active in the floriculture sector; - primary agricultural producers who own or manage agricultural holdings and participate in farmers markets; - owners or managers of agricultural holdings without access to irrigation. The aid does not exceed €100,000 per beneficiary. The scheme will be in force until 31 December 2020.
Lithuania. The Commission has approved a €59 million Lithuanian programme to support businesses in the agriculture, food, forestry, rural development and fisheries sectors affected by the pandemic. Public support will be provided as follows: €9 million in the form of direct grants and €50 million in the form of loan guarantees. The scheme is expected to benefit around 1,300 companies of all sizes active in these sectors.
Slovakia. The Commission has endorsed a €200 million Slovak scheme to support companies renting premises, which were limited or had to carry out their activities under the measures imposed by the Slovak government in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. These companies have had to close down, interrupting education (in schools and educational institutions). The public aid, which will take the form of direct grants, is intended to cover the rent reduction negotiated with the landlord, up to a maximum of 50% of the initial rent. Specifically, if a tenant negotiates a rebate of 20% of the rent with the landlord, the State will pay to the landlord, on behalf of the tenant, another 20% of the rent, thereby reducing the rent by 40% for the tenant. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)