COVID-19 pandemic: ESA approves Norwegian compensation scheme for cancelled and downscaled large public events*
The EFTA Surveillance Authority (ESA) has today approved a scheme offering compensation to organisers and co-organisers of large public events for losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
In an effort to contain the COVID-19 outbreak in Norway, public authorities have since early March taken various measures that have led to the cancellation or downscaling of large public events. As a result of these measures, organisers of large public events have lost a significant share of their income. Many have also incurred additional costs due to the need to be compliant with the COVID-19 containment measures.
The scheme will be applicable to organisers and co-organisers of large public events planned for at least 350 participants that have suffered losses in the period 5 March to 31 December 2020 as a result of cancellation or downscaling to 200 participants or less. Aid is granted to events that demonstrate future value creation on a regional or national level.
The estimated budget for the scheme is NOK 350 million (EUR 33.1 million), and will be administered by Innovation Norway, a state-owned company contributing to business innovation and increasing competitiveness in Norway .
Norway notified the measure to ESA on 15 December 2020.
