State aid: Commission approves a €3.7 million Slovenian scheme to support the wine production sector affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €3.7 million Slovenian scheme to support wine producers and grape growers affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of direct grants of up to €20,000 per beneficiary, to partially compensate them for their loss of income caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The aim of the scheme is to help the beneficiaries address their liquidity needs and continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the Slovenian scheme is in line with the conditions of the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid does not exceed €225,000 per beneficiary active in the primary agricultural sector (grape growers), and €1.8 million for all other beneficiaries; and (ii) the scheme will run until 30 June 2021. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules. More information on the Temporary Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.62332 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.