State aid: Commission approves €39.2 million Polish scheme to support enterprises active in pig breeding sector in the context of the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a PLN 175 million (approximately €39.2 million) Polish scheme to support enterprises active in the pig breeding sector affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the public support, which will take the form of direct grants, will be open to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises active in the pig breeding (farmers). The purpose of the scheme is to help the beneficiaries address their liquidity needs and continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The aid will be granted as a lump sum. The Commission found that the Polish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will not exceed €100,000 per company active in the primary production of agricultural sector as provided by the Temporary Framework, and (ii) the aid under the scheme can be granted until 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.60060 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.