State aid: Commission approves €25 million Irish scheme to support commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances in the context of the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €25 million Irish scheme to support commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure aims at supporting commercial venues, producers and promoters of live performances covering the costs for the employment of artists and musicians of all genres, performers, technicians and other support staff. It will help the beneficiaries minimise the risks linked to the preparation of new productions, which may subsequently have to be postponed, cancelled or curtailed due to restrictive measures that the Irish authorities had to introduce to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The Commission found that the Irish measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the support will not exceed €1.8 million per company as provided by the Temporary Framework; and (ii) the aid 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 of 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.63067 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.