The European Commission has found an Italian ‘umbrella’ scheme to support companies in the context of the coronavirus pandemic to be in line with the Temporary Framework. The scheme is a re-introduction of a measure already approved by the Commission on 21 May 2020 (SA.57021) and subsequently amended on 11 September 2020 (SA.58547), 10 December 2020 (SA.59655), 15 December 2020 (SA.59827) and 9 April 2021 (SA.62495). The original scheme, as amended, expired on 31 December 2021. Italy notified the re-introduction of the scheme until 30 June 2022. In addition, it notified the following amendments, namely: (i) an overall budget increase of €2.5 billion (from €12.5bn to €15bn); and (ii) an increase in the maximum aid amounts per beneficiary in line with the Temporary Framework as amended on 18 November 2021.
The Commission concluded that the scheme, as modified, remains necessary, appropriate and proportionate (i) to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b); and (ii) to fight the health crisis and contribute to address the common European production needs in the current crisis, in line with Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. The Commission also concluded that the amended scheme remains in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework as amended on 18 November 2021.
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 number SA.101025 in the state aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
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