On Wednesday 20 January, the European Commission approved €1.9 billion in Polish aid to support businesses operating in some sectors affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary Framework.
Poland notified the Commission of a support scheme for businesses of all sizes operating in a number of sectors (gastronomy, fitness, fairs, theatre, cinema, entertainment, photography and physiotherapy). These businesses were unable to operate because of measures introduced by the Polish government to limit the spread of the virus.
Aid in the form of grants will be available for businesses that report a decrease in footfall. Aid in the form of contribution payment exemptions (for social insurance or health insurance) for the period from 1 to 30 November 2020 will be available to businesses that declare at least a 40% drop in income in November 2020 compared to November 2019.
The Commission found that the scheme for which Poland provided notification complies with the terms and conditions set out in the Temporary Framework (aid will not exceed €800,000 per business and will be provided no later than by 30 June 2021). (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)