State aid: Commission approves €15.6 million Italian scheme to support the tourism sector in the context of the coronavirus pandemic
@European Union, 2018The European Commission has approved a €15.6 million Italian scheme to support the tourism sector in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework. The scheme consists of (i) limited amounts of aid and (ii) support for uncovered fixed costs, in both cases in the form of a tax credit to partially compensate companies for the payment of a municipal real estate tax related to tourism activities. In order to be eligible, tourism companies must have suffered a decline in turnover of at least 50% for the period between 1 April and 30 June 2021, compared to the corresponding period in 2019. Around 1000 companies will be eligible for aid under the measure. The Commission found that the Italian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, when it comes to limited amounts of aid, the support will not exceed €2.3 million per beneficiary. When it comes to support for uncovered fixed costs, the aid will not exceed €12 million per company. Furthermore, the public support will be granted no later than 30 June 2022. The Commission therefore 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 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.102998 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
