State aid: Commission approves €1.46 billion UK scheme to distribute free medical grade personal protective equipment in the context of coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved under EU State aid rules a GBP 1,3 billion (approximately €1,46 billion) UK scheme to distribute free medical grade personal protective equipment (PPE) to health and social care services, community pharmacies and public sector organisations in the context of coronavirus outbreak. The public support will take the form of free medical grade PPE and will be accessible to eligible health and social care providers, community pharmacies and public sector organisations. The purpose of the measure is to ensure that beneficiaries continue to provide their services, while limiting the spread of the coronavirus through preventing cross-infection and other forms of contamination. The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(3)(c), which enables Member States to facilitate the development of certain economic activities, subject to certain conditions. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to fight the health crisis, in line with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.58477 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.