State aid: Commission approves €77 million Dutch scheme to support the development and implementation of e-health applications in the context of the coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €77 million Dutch scheme to support providers of general practitioner care, district nursing, mental health care and social support servicesin the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework.The measure will support those health care service providers that are focused on providing at home services to patients that are considered the most affected by the necessary social distancing rules imposed by the Dutch government to limit the spread of the coronavirus (e.g. the elderly, people with frail health and mentally ill patients). The support will take the form of direct grants for the purchase, leasing, licensing and implementation of e-health applications, which contribute to the continuity of support and remote care for patients that are now staying at home during the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Dutch scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the maximum aid amount that can be granted is below €800.000 per company. Furthermore, no subsidies on the basis of this aid scheme will be granted after 31 December 2020. 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 numbers SA.57897 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website.