Brussels, 03/05/2022 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 3 May, the European Commission approved €6.8 million of Greek aid for Ellinair. The purpose of the measure is to compensate the airline for damages incurred during the period between 18 March and 30 June 2021 as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the travel restrictions imposed by Greece and other countries to limit the spread of the virus. The aid will take the form of a direct grant. The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(2)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (state aid granted to compensate for damage directly caused by exceptional occurrences). The Commission considers that the coronavirus outbreak can be considered an exceptional occurrence. (LC)