State aid: Commission approves €1.5 million Estonian scheme to support operators of experience centres and operators of buildings used for events affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €1.5 million Estonian scheme to support operators of experience centres and operators of buildings used for conferences, theatres, concerts and other similar events, in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The aid will take the form of direct grants, with a maximum amount of €150,000 per beneficiary. The aim of the scheme is to compensate these operators for the damage suffered due to the suspension and/or disruption of their activities because of the restrictive measures that the Estonian government had to implement in order to limit the spread of the virus. The Commission found that the Estonian measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €1.8 million per company and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 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 measure 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.63122 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.