State aid: Commission approves €200,000 Maltese scheme to support meat processing and marketing cooperatives affected by the coronavirus pandemic

The European Commission has found a €200,000 Maltese scheme to support cooperatives active in the processing and marketing of pig meat in Malta and Gozo to be in line with the State aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The purpose of the measure is to address the liquidity needs of the beneficiaries and to help them continue their activities during and after the pandemic. The Commission found that the Maltese scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €2.3 million per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 30 June 2022. The Commission therefore 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 the case number SA.102010 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.