State aid: Commission approves €22.8 million Slovenian scheme to support companies in various sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €22.8 million Slovenian scheme to support companies in various sectors affected by the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures that the Slovenian government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support, which will take the form of direct grants, will cover the costs corresponding to the holiday pay for employees’ annual leave. The measure will be open to companies of all sizes active in the sectors most severely affected by business disruption due to the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures in place, such as for example accommodation and food service, travel and rental related activities, arts, entertainment and recreation sectors. The financial, agriculture, fishery and aquaculture sectors are excluded from the scope of the scheme. The beneficiaries must have suffered an annual turnover decline of at least 20% in 2021, compared to 2019 or 2020. The Commission found that this 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 beneficiary; 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.64152 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.