State aid: Commission approves €36 million Bulgarian scheme to support the agricultural sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €36 million (BGN 72 million) Bulgarian scheme to support the agricultural sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will be open to farmers breeding large and small ruminants, bee keepers and fruit and vegetables growers. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The measure aims at mitigating the liquidity shortages that the beneficiaries are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak and the consequent production costs increase. The Commission found that the Bulgarian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €225,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) 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 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.100255 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.