State aid: Commission approves €27 million Danish scheme to support companies affected by temporary coronavirus- related restrictive health measures

The European Commission has approved a €27 million (DKK 200 million) Danish scheme to support companies whose activities are still subject to the restrictive measures implemented by the Danish Government to limit the spread of the coronavirus. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme will be open to companies that are still facing financial difficulties as a result of the coronavirus outbreak as they are active in those sectors that are still subject to restrictive measures limiting customers’ access, even though the total operation ban was lifted since 8 June 2020. Companies active in the agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture and financial sectors are not eligible for aid under this scheme. The measure will provide beneficiaries with a grant of up to €800,000 (approximately DKK 6 million) per company during the period from 9 July to 8 August 2020. The Commission found that the Danish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid envisaged under the scheme does not exceed €800,000 per company. 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 decisions will be made available under the case numbers SA.57931 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website.