28/06/2022 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 28 June, the European Commission approved €40 million in Italian aid to support cabotage and other maritime services in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. This measure has been approved under the State Aid Temporary Framework. The measure will be open to shipping companies of all sizes active in cabotage and other maritime services. The aid will consist of wage subsidies in the form of exemption from the payment of social security contributions due for the period between 1 August 2020 and 31 December 2021. The aim is to reduce the labour costs borne by beneficiaries and to maintain employment levels. The Commission has previously approved aid for cabotage and other maritime services in May 2022 (exemption from payment of social security contributions). (LC)