The European Commission has approved an Italian aid measure of 35 million euros in support of businesses providing commercial bus transport services.
The measure is intended to alleviate the liquidity needs faced by these companies due to the current geopolitical crisis and the consequent increase in the prices of natural gas, electricity, fuel and raw materials.
Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of three separate direct grants, relating respectively to the loss of revenue recorded in the first quarter of 2022, the rescheduling or leasing obligations relating to the purchase of new commercial vehicles and the additional fuel purchase costs recorded in the second quarter of 2022.
The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy the serious disturbance of the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107.3.b) of the TFEU and with the conditions laid down in the temporary crisis framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the Italian measure in accordance with the Union rules on State aid.