Commission approves €51.23 million Greek scheme to support farmers active in primary agricultural and livestock sectors affected by the #Coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €51.23 million scheme to support farmers in Greece active in the primary agricultural and livestock production in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the state aid Temporary Framework. The support, financed by the national budget, will take the form of direct grants. The scheme will be accessible to (i) primary agricultural producers and open-air markets' sellers, (ii) primary livestock producers in the sheep and goat farming sector, and (iii) primary agricultural producers active in the asparagus primary production sector.

The purpose of the scheme is to address the liquidity needs of agricultural and livestock undertakings, and help them to continue their activities during and after the coronavirus outbreak. The Commission found that the Greek scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid is of a temporary nature and does not exceed €100,000 per beneficiary, while the scheme will run until 31 December 2020.

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 measures 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 numbers SA. 58029, SA. 58048 and SA. 58069 in the state aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

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