14/01/2022 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 14 January, the European Commission approved an Austrian subsidy scheme (€60 million) to help seasonal businesses affected by the coronavirus and the mandatory closure measures between 22 November and 12 December 2021 (17 December 2021 in Upper Austria). The scheme was approved under the Temporary Framework for State Aid. The public support will take the form of wage subsidies covering part of the wage costs for employees who started their employment relationship between 3 November and 12 December 2021 (17 December for Upper Austria). The measure aims to provide transitory support until eligible companies can apply for the short-time work program (covering the wage costs of workers employed for at least one full calendar month’s salary). (LC)