The European Commission has approved an approximately €800 million (CZK 19 billion) Czech scheme to support companies affected by increased energy costs in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants to cover the additional costs due to exceptional price increases of natural gas and electricity recorded in the eligible period, specifically from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2023, compared to the period from 1 January 2021 to 31 December 2021. The measure will be open to large companies in all sectors.
The Commission concluded that the Czech 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 and Transition Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules.
Executive Vice President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €800 million scheme will help Czechia compensate large companies for their increased gas and electricity costs in the context of the current energy crisis. At the same time, it ensures that distortions of competition are kept to a minimum.”
A press release is available online.
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