The European Commission has approved an HRK 3 million (approximately €396,000) Croatian scheme to support fattening pig farmers affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework.
The public support will take the form of direct grants. The aim of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of fattening pig farmers that suffered a decrease in sales due to the coronavirus outbreak and to help them to continue their activities during and after the crisis. The measure is expected to support more than 500 undertakings.
The Commission found that the Croatian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, (i) the aid will not exceed €225,000 per beneficiary, as provided by the Temporary Framework for companies active in the primary agricultural sector; and (ii) the aid under the scheme can be granted until 31 December 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 the 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.62105 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.