State aid: Commission approves €800,000 Maltese scheme to support fishers affected by coronavirus outbreak

The European Commission has approved a €800,000 Maltese scheme to support fishing vessel owners affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary Framework. Under the scheme, the public support will take the form of direct grants. The aid amount per beneficiary will be calculated by multiplying the amount of fish (in kg) caught in 2020 by €0.98, up to a maximum ceiling of EUR €5,000 per vessel. The measure will partially address the loss of income suffered by the beneficiaries due to the coronavirus outbreak and the restrictive measures that the Maltese government had to implement to limit the spread of the virus. The scheme aims to address the liquidity needs of fishing vessel owners and to help them continue their activities during and after the outbreak. The Commission found that the Maltese scheme is in line with the conditions of the Temporary Framework. In particular, the  aid (i) will not exceed €270,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted until 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 set out in the Temporary Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme 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.100440 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved. 

(For more information: Arianna Podesta – Tel.: +32 229 87024; Giulia Astuti – Tel.: +32 229 55344; Maria Tsoni – Tel.: +32 229 90526)