The EU Commission adopts a new Temporary Framework for State aid in the COVID-19 context to support the business suffering

The European Commission has now adopted a Framework of temporary State aid rules enabling Member States to adopt measures to support the growing number of businesses suffering because of the COVID-19 outbreak. This is the first time since the 2008 financial crisis that the Commission has adopted special rules to allow State aid to remedy a serious disturbance to the entire EU economy under Article 107(3)(b) TFEU. The Framework complements the existing State aid rules, providing an additional avenue for the Member States to support businesses affected by COVID-19. The Framework rules, applicable to all sectors, envisage a range of measures from direct grants, advance payments and tax advantages of up to €800,000 per company to subsidised loan guarantees and interest rates, and short-term