State aid: Commission approves €378 million Slovenian scheme to support farmers and other self-employed affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €378 million Slovenian scheme to support the self-employed affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The aid, which will take the form of direct grants, will be open to beneficiaries active in all sectors. The aim of the scheme is to preserve jobs, avoid lay-offs and provide liquidity support for the self-employed, including farmers and managers of micro-enterprises, by providing a partial reimbursement of the income lost due to the emergency measures put in place to limit to spread of the virus. The measure is expected to support more than 1,000 beneficiaries. The Commission found that the Slovenian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will not exceed €100 000 per undertaking active in the primary production of agricultural products, €120 000 per undertaking in the fishery and aquaculture sector and €800 000 per company in other sectors (ii) the aid is 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 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.59149 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.