State aid: Commission approves €4 million Danish tax deferral scheme to support SMEs affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €4 million (DKK 30 million) Danish aid scheme for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The public support will take the form of interest-free credit facilities in relation to wage taxes due by SMEs. The aim of the scheme is to ease the liquidity constraints faced by those employers that are SMEs and have been most severely affected by the economic impact of the coronavirus outbreak, thus helping them to continue their activities. The Commission found that the Danish scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will be granted before 30 June 2021; and (ii) the deferred contributions will be paid no later than 31 December 2022. 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.61233 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website.