The European Commission has approved a €73 million Italian scheme to support bus operators affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework.
The scheme consists of three different measures. Under all measures, the support will take the form of direct grants. Companies providing scheduled bus services, as well as companies providing occasional bus services, and not receiving a public service obligation (‘PSO’) compensation will be entitled to receive direct grants for the repayment of loans instalments and for the purchase of new buses. The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework.
In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €1.8 million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2021. 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 of 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.
EU provides €90 million in macro-financial assistance to Albania to cope with the economic impact of the pandemic
EU provides €90 million in macro-financial assistance to Albania to cope with the economic impact of the pandemic
This disbursement is the second and final tranche of a €180 million assistance programme for Albania, which is part of a €3 billion emergency MFA package for ten enlargement and neighbourhood partner countries to help them contain the negative economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This programme is a concrete illustration of the EU’s solidarity with its partners and its willingness to help them cope with the economic consequences of the pandemic. 90 million to Albania under this MFA programme was made in March 2021. Albania has met the conditions agreed with the EU for the release of this second and final instalment of €90 million. Following today’s payment, the Union has now completed eight of the ten MFA programmes foreseen under the €3 billion MFA package adopted as a result of COVID-19. The Commission continues to work closely with all its MFA partners to implement the agreed programmes without delay.
