Commission approves €5 million Belgian scheme to support the events and cultural sectors affected by the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has approved a €5 million Belgian scheme to support the events and cultural sectors affected by the coronavirus pandemic. The scheme was approved under the state aid Temporary Framework. The measure will be  open to small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs') established in the Brussels-Capital Region and active in the events and cultural sectors. Eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive repayable advances up to €150,000.

The amount of aid per beneficiary will be calculated based on its business plan. The Commission found that the Belgian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid: (i) will not exceed €2.3m per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June 2022. 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 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 case number SA.100716 in the state aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

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