site.btaEC Approves EUR 73 Mln Bulgarian Scheme to Support Farmers Affected by Pandemic

The European Commission has approved a 73 million euro (143.5 million leva) Bulgarian scheme to support farmers breeding large and small ruminants, bee keepers and fruit, vegetables, rice and oil-bearing rose growers affected by the coronavirus pandemic, the Commission said on Friday. The measure was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework.

Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The purpose of the scheme 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 Bulgarian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework. In particular, the aid will not exceed 290,000 euro per beneficiary; and will be granted no later than June 30, 2022. The Commission concluded that the measure is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State.