The European Commission found that the Bulgarian scheme of 12.78 million euros (25 million levs) in support of tour operators forced to limit or suspend their activities due to the coronavirus pandemic and the imposed restrictions is in line with the Temporary Framework for State Aid. The scheme represents the reintroduction of a measure approved by the Commission in July 2020 (SA.58050), which expired on 31 December 2021.
The aid under the scheme will take the form of a direct grant. The measure will be open to all tour operators with a valid license in Bulgaria, regardless of the country of registration and the country of origin of the traveler. Eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive 35 euros for each passenger who has booked a tourist package with them, including a flight to Bulgaria. Eligibility is limited to flights between 1 June 2021 and 14 May 2022. The aim of the measure is to stimulate inbound tourism with a beneficial indirect impact in many areas such as hotels, restaurants, food industry, transport, cultural and sporting events. It will facilitate access to finance and alleviate the sudden shortage of liquidity facing the companies concerned.
The Commission found that the Bulgarian scheme met the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed EUR 2.3 million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June 2022. The Commission therefore concludes 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), point (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 tackle the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic can be found here.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be provided under № SA.102193 in the State Aid Register on the Commission's Competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
