COVID-19 Pandemic: ESA approves increased support to long-distance bus and passenger boat services in Norway until the end of 2021*
The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today approved the renewal of a support scheme to compensate losses incurred by operators of long-distance bus and passenger boat services due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The renewed scheme is valid until 31 December 2021 with an additional NOK 100 million added to the budget.
The scheme will now be approved under the European Commission’s Temporary Framework for state aid measures to support the economy during the current COVID-19 outbreak. Previously, the scheme was approved according to the EEA rules that permit state aid to remedy effects of exceptional occurrences.
While society is gradually opening up and restrictions are being lifted, people in Norway are still recommended to avoid unnecessary trips on public transport. Strict social distancing and public safety measures will continue to be in place. The Norwegian authorities therefore consider it necessary to continue the scheme in order to ensure the continuation of long-distance bus and passenger boat services in Norway.
ESA first approved the compensation scheme on 20 July 2020. Amendments were approved on 25 November 2020. On 17 December 2020, ESA approved an increase in the budget and a prolongation until 15 August 2021.
The budget will now be increased by NOK 100 million to a total budget of NOK 300 million (EUR 29.4 million).
