State aid: Commission approves €1 million Italian scheme to support organisers of international sport events in context of coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €1 million Italian scheme to support organisers of international sport events in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of direct grants to companies that incurred costs to ensure the safe presence of the public in events that were planned to take place in Italy within ten days of 26 October 2020, date of the entry into force of the Prime Ministerial Decree of 24 October 2020. The decree prohibited the presence of the public at those events and, therefore, the costs incurred to ensure public safety were lost. The scheme aims to address the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries and to help them to continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the support (i) will not exceed €1.8 million per company; and (ii) will be granted until no later than 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. 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 numbers SA.61841 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.