State aid: Commission approves €10 million Slovenian scheme to support companies active in certain tourism sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €10 million Slovenian scheme to support companies active in certain tourism sectors in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of loans with subsidised interest rates. The measure will be open to companies active in certain tourism sectors, such as tour operators, travel agencies and companies providing transport services. The purpose of the scheme is to help the beneficiaries refunding travellers for travel packages cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak and the travel restrictions put in place to limit the spread of the virus. The aid will be provided directly through the ‘Public Fund of Republic of Slovenia for Entrepreneurship’. The Commission found that the Slovenian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the maturity of the loans is limited to six years, (ii) the annual interest rates on the loans respect the minimum levels set out in the Temporary Framework; (iii) the loan amount per beneficiary is in line with what is foreseen by the Temporary Framework; (iv) the loans relate to working capital needs; and (v) the loan contracts will be signed by 31 December 2021 at the latest. 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.64421 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.