State aid: Commission approves €240,000 Slovenian scheme to support managers of hunting grounds affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €240,000 Slovenian scheme to support managers of hunting grounds affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of a reduction of the annual concession fees for the use of the hunting grounds. The scheme will be open to micro and small enterprises active in hunting related services, including the marketing of game. The measure is expected to benefit 411 managers of hunting grounds. The objective of the scheme is to support the managers of hunting grounds who, due to the coronavirus, faced difficulties implementing sustainable game management, including the shooting and sale of game, and were affected by the reduction in revenues from hunting tourism. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) no beneficiary will receive more than €1.8 million since the overall budget of the scheme is €240,000; and (ii) the scheme will run until 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 set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measures 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.61211 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.