10/10/2023 (Agence Europe) – On Tuesday 10 October, the European Commission announced that it had authorised a €20 million Slovenian State aid scheme designed to provide liquidity to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) faced with the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and in particular the rise in energy prices. Under this scheme, notified under the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (see EUROPE 13138/1), aid will be provided to small and medium-sized enterprises affected by the energy crisis in the form of loans at below-market rates. The companies concerned will be able to benefit from additional interest rate reductions if they carry out an energy audit. The measure should provide an incentive for these companies to invest in energy efficiency. The aid will not exceed €2 million per beneficiary and will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. (EV)