State aid: Commission approves €26 million Bulgarian scheme to support tour operators and travel agents in the context of coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a BGN 51 million (approximately €26 million) Bulgarian scheme to support tour operators and travel agents in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of direct grants. The aid granted will be used by the beneficiaries (tour operators and travel agents): (i) to refund customers whose travel packages have been cancelled between 1 March and 31 December 2020 due to the coronavirus outbreak; and (ii) to cover the costs incurred to carry out their main activities over the same period.  The aim of the measure is to help the beneficiaries address the liquidity shortages they have been facing due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Bulgarian measure 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 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.59990 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.