23/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 23 March, the European Commission authorised an Austrian measure to help businesses to deal with the current economic crisis. Aid of up to €500 000 per firm may be granted in 2009 and 2010 to businesses facing funding problems because of the current credit squeeze. According to the Commission, the scheme meets the conditions of the Temporary Framework for state aid measures, which gives Member States additional scope to facilitate access to financing in the context of the current crisis. It is therefore compatible with relevant provisions in the EC Treaty, which permits aid to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State. (O.L./trans/rh)