Commission approves €1.4 million Italian aid scheme to support SMEs in difficulty in Valle d'Aosta region

The European Commission has approved, under EU state aid rules, a €1.4 million Italian aid scheme to facilitate the restructuring of small and medium-sized enterprises (‘SMEs') located in the Italian region of Valle d'Aosta. The scheme follows a previous aid measure approved in 2007 (SA.22112), which expired in 2014. At the same time, the Italian authorities introduce adjustments to bring the new scheme in line with the current EU state aid rules, as set out in the Guidelines on rescue and restructuring.

Under the new scheme, which will run until the end of 2026, the region of Valle d'Aosta will help SMEs in financial difficulty to restructure their business and restore their competitiveness. The scheme is available to companies in difficulty active in all economic sectors, except the financial, coal, steel, aviation and aquaculture sectors. The aid will take the form of public guarantees, subsidised loans and/or direct grants for a maximum amount of 60% of the restructuring costs. The Commission assessed the measure under EU state aid rules, and in particular the Guidelines on rescue and restructuring.

The Commission found that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to support the eligible beneficiaries in their efforts to return to viability. In addition, the Commission concluded that the aid will be proportionate, i.e. limited to the minimum necessary, and will not have undue negative effects on competition and trade in the EU. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU state aid rules. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.64693 in the state aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

Share this article: