State aid: Commission approves €70 million Italian direct grants scheme to support companies active in the agricultural and fishery sectors affected by coronavirus outbreak in Campania region

The European Commission has approved a €70 million scheme to support companies active in the agricultural and fishery sectors in the Campania region in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April 2020 and 8 May 2020. The support will take the form of direct grants and will be accessible to companies of all sizes, including the self-employed, active in the agriculture, fishery and aquaculture sectors in the territory of Campania. The purpose of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of these companies and to help them continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The measure is expected to support over 1,000 enterprises. The Commission found that the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, aid does not exceed €120,000 per company active in the fishery and aquaculture sector and €100,000 per company active in the primary production of agricultural products. 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.57349 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.