State aid: Commission approves €29 million Bulgarian scheme to support farmers breeding large and small ruminants and potato growers affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a BGN 56.6 million (approximately €29 million) Bulgarian scheme to support farmers breeding large and small ruminants and potato growers affected by coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of direct grants covering part of the principal amount and interest due on loans previously provided to the beneficiaries by the State Fund for Agriculture. The purpose of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries and help them to continue their activities during and after the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Bulgarian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will not exceed €100,000 per beneficiary as provided by the Temporary Framework for undertakings active in the primary agricultural sector; and (ii) the scheme will run until 31 December 2020. 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.58328 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.