Commission approves Estonia's EUR 2 mln scheme to support organizers of cultural events

TALLINN - The European Commission has approved a two-million-euro scheme of Estonia to support the organizers of cultural events and conferences taking place in Estonia in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. 

The measure was approved under the state aid temporary framework.

The public support will take the form of direct grants to cover unavoidable expenses incurred by the organizers of events or conferences for which planned income is lost or reduced due to restrictions imposed to limit the spread of the virus, the Representation of the European Commission in Estonia said.

The aid can be granted for events planned until Dec. 31, 2021, with a minimum amount of 5,000 euros and maximum of 100,000 euros per event. The purpose of the measure is to mitigate the sudden liquidity shortages that the affected companies are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Commission found that the Estonian 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. On this basis, the Commission approved the measure under the EU state aid rules.