EC approves €200,000 direct grant scheme to support agricultural and aquaculture sectors in Brussels

The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April 2020. The support with be accessible to companies of all sizes active in this sector in the Brussels-Capital region. The public support, which will take the form of direct grants, aims at ensuring that those companies which are experiencing cash difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak have liquidity for their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the measure is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. 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. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €200,000 scheme will support companies active in agricultural and aquaculture sectors in the Brussels-Capital region, which are currently experiencing difficulties due to the coronavirus outbreak. It will help these companies cover their immediate liquidity needs to support them in continuing their crucial activities during these challenging times. Our work with Member States continues and ensures that national support measures can be put in place in a coordinated and effective way, in line with EU rules.”

The full press release is available online.