On Monday 3 July, the European Commission announced that it had authorised changes to an existing Croatian aid scheme designed to support the liquidity of companies involved in export activities.
The initial plan was approved in July 2022 and first amended in December 2022.
The aid is provided in the form of guarantees covering part of the eligible new loans granted by commercial banks, and in the form of direct grants covering loan guarantee premiums.
The July 2023 amendments were notified under the Temporary Framework for State Aid in times of crisis and transition (see EUROPE 13138/1). They consist, firstly, of an increase in the overall budget for the aid scheme from €552 million to around €747 million and, secondly, of an adjustment to the maximum aid ceilings, in line with the Temporary Framework for State Aid to crisis and transition countries.
Support measures will not exceed €2 million per beneficiary and will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. (Original version in French by Émilie Vanderhulst)