State aid: Commission approves €15 million Bulgarian scheme to support micro, small and medium-sized coach companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a BGN 30 million (approximately €15 million) Bulgarian scheme to support micro, small and medium-sized coach companies affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The aim of the measure is to mitigate the sudden liquidity shortages that these companies are facing given the extent of the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on their operations. The support will take the form of direct grants. The grants will partially cover the operating costs of the transport of passengers by coach or bus from 1 February 2020 until six months after the entry into force of the grant agreement concluded between the beneficiary and the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications. Applicants can submit applications worth BGN 3,000 (approximately €1,500) up to BGN 450,000 (approximately €230.000). The Commission found that the Bulgarian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the support (i) will not exceed €800,000 per company; and (ii) will be granted 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 and the conditions of the Temporary Framework. 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.59182 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.