The EU Commission approves €30 million Italian scheme to support SMEs in the agriculture and fishery sectors affected by COVID-19 outbreak

State aid: Commission approves €30 million Italian scheme to support SMEs in the agriculture and fishery sectors affected by coronavirus outbreak* The European Commission has approved a €30 million Italian scheme to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agricultural and fishery sectors in the context of the coronavirus outbreak.The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Framework adopted by the Commission on 19 March 2020, as amended on 3 April 2020. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This €30 million Italian scheme will enable the provision of zero-interest rate loans of up to €30,000 per company for SMEs active in the agricultural and fishery sectors in Italy. The measure will help companies cover their