Brussels, 17 February 2023
The European Commission has approved a €120 million Italian scheme to support companies active in the Emilia-Romagna Region in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022 and amended on 20 July 2022 and on 28 October 2022.
The measure will be open to companies of all sizes active in all sectors with a number of exceptions such as primary production of agricultural products. Under the scheme, the aid will consist in limited amounts of aid in any of the following forms: (i) direct grants; (ii) grants for interest relief; and (iii) loans. The purpose of the scheme is to address the liquidity shortages currently faced by companies active in the Emilia-Romagna Region, which are affected by Russia’s war against Ukraine and the consequent cost increase of electricity, fuel, gas and raw materials.
The Commission found that the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €300,000 per beneficiary active in the fishery and aquaculture sectors and €2 million per beneficiary active in all other sectors; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. The Commission concluded that the Italian scheme 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 Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules.
More information on the Temporary Crisis Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under case number SA.105509 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
Source – EU Commission