Brussels, 04/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 4 June, the European Commission authorised a Finnish scheme to help companies experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the credit squeeze in the current economic crisis. The scheme allows aid of up to €500,000 per company. It meets the conditions of the Commission's temporary framework for state aid measures to support access to finance in the current financial and economic crisis, as amended on 25 February 2009, because it is appropriate to remedy a serious disturbance in the entire Finnish economy, is limited in time (measures may be applied until 31 December 2010), respects the relevant thresholds and applies only to companies that were not in difficulties before 1 July 2008. It is therefore compatible with Article 87(3) (b) of the EC, the Commission concludes. (O.L./transl.jl)