State aid: Commission approves €1.78 million Czech scheme to support terrestrial television network operators in the context of coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved an approximately €1.78 million (CZK 46 million) Czech scheme to support terrestrial television network operators affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the support will take the form of direct grants. The aid will support the additional costs resulting from the postponement of the deadline for the digital terrestrial television switching-off phase from 30 June to 31 October 2020. The postponement of the final switch-off phase, resulting from the coronavirus outbreak, was abrupt and forced the beneficiaries to swiftly rearrange their plans. This caused additional costs and had a negative impact on the beneficiaries’ liquidity. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €1.8 million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted before 31 December 2021. The Commission concluded that the measure 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 Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under EU State aid rules. More information on the 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.60062 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.