The European Commission has approved a Bulgarian scheme of 15.34 million euros in support of companies operating in the tourism sector affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The measure was approved under the Temporary Framework for State Aid.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of a direct grant. To be eligible, companies must have seen a decrease in turnover of at least 30% in 2020 compared to 2019. The amount of aid for each beneficiary will not exceed 20% of its turnover in 2019 or 1,8 million, depending on which of the two values is lower.
The Commission found that the Bulgarian scheme met the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) shall not exceed EUR 1,8 million per beneficiary; And (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. The Commission has concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to address the serious difficulties in the economy of a Member State in accordance with Article 107 (3)(b) of the TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure in accordance with 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 provided under № SA.100427 in the State Aid Register on the Commission’s Competition policy website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
