EC OKs Italian Scheme To Compensate Ski Lift Operators During COVID-19

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €430 million (US$508.96 million) Italian measure to compensate ski lift operators for the damages suffered due to the restrictive measures introduced by the Italian government to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which prohibited the access of the general public to ski lifts between December 4, 2020, and April 30, 2021.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said, “The measures that the Italian government has had to take to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic required ski lift operators to stop their operations, resulting in considerable losses for them. This scheme will enable Italy to compensate ski lift operators for the damage suffered. We will keep working together with Member States to find the best solutions to support companies during these difficult times, in line with EU rules.”

Under the scheme, ski lift operators will be entitled to compensation in the form of direct grants for part of the damages incurred between December 4, 2020, and April 30, 2021. The Italian authorities will verify that there will be no overcompensation on the basis of the net losses incurred because of the pandemic. Italy will therefore ensure that no individual beneficiary receives more in compensation than it suffered in damages and that any payment in excess of the actual damage is recovered.

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