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Kaur Kajak Teie 15.03.2022 nr 12.1-1/2545-1 Rahandusministeerium [email protected] Meie 23.03.2022 nr 1-12/734-2 Euroopa Komisjoni küsimustikud COVID-19 ajutise raamistiku kohta Kultuuriministeerium edastab vastused „Riigiabi ajutine raamistik majanduse toetamiseks praeguse COVID-19 puhangu kontekstis“ tuleviku kohta esimeses küsimustikus (lisatud, 7 lehel). Lugupidamisega (allkirjastatud digitaalselt) Tarvi Sits kantsler Kadri Kilvet 628 2224 [email protected] Suur-Karja 23 / 15076 Tallinn / 628 2222 / [email protected] / www.kul.ee / Registrikood 70000941  Fourth survey on the use of State aid in the COVID-19 crisis: open questions Fields marked with * are mandatory. Introduction As part of the fourth survey on the use of the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework during the COVID-19 pandemic and as outlined in the letter of 25 February 2022, the Commission services would like to seek the views of Member States on the rules included in the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework. Considering the generally positive economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the progressive phasing out of the containment measures taken by Member States across the EU, the Commission services are of the preliminary view that the phase-out of sections 3.1-3.12 of the Temporary Framework, as explained in the context of the 6th amendment of the Temporary Framework in November 2021, is still appropriate and that no new circumstances regarding the COVID-19 pandemic have arisen that would justify a further extension of the COVID-19 Temporary Framework. However, before taking a definitive view, the Commission services would like to seek the views of the Member States on whether they agree that the current rules included in sections 3.1 to 3.12 of the COVID-19 Temporary Framework are no longer needed or whether, despite the general overall economic recovery, Member States consider that a serious disturbance of the economy as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak within the meaning of Article 107(3)(b) TFEU still persists. The deadline to submit the answers to the questionnaire is Friday, 11 March 2022 close of business. Please submit one consolidated contribution per Member State. Considering that EUSurvey allows up to 5,000 characters per cell, we encourage you to summarise your contribution in the questionnaire and if necessary to upload a file with a longer contribution. The information collected is for the Commission's use. The results of the analysis may be used in official statements. Identification of the respondent * QuestionEU Member States and EFTA States Answer Austria Answer Belgium Answer Bulgaria Answer Croatia Answer Cyprus Answer Czechia Answer Denmark Answer  Estonia Answer Finland Answer France Answer Germany Answer Greece Answer Hungary Answer Iceland Answer Ireland Answer Italy Answer Latvia Answer Liechtenstein Answer Lithuania Answer Luxembourg Answer Malta Answer Netherlands Answer Norway Answer Poland Answer Portugal Answer Romania Answer Slovak Republic Answer Slovenia Answer Spain Answer Sweden Answer Switzerland * QuestionFirst name Kadri * QuestionSurname Kilvet * QuestionOrganisation name Kultuuriministeerium * QuestionEmail [email protected] Questions regarding the sections 3.1 to 3.12 of the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework * Question Q1) In general, do you agree that sections 3.1 to 3.12 of the Temporary Framework are no longer needed beyond 30 June 2022 to tackle the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in line with Article 107(3)(b) and Article 107(3)(c) TFEU? Answer Yes Answer No * QuestionIn case you disagree, please explain why and provide the necessary data in support of such a view. * Question Q2) In particular, if you consider that all or some of the sections are still needed, (differentiating potentially between sections 3.1-3.3 on the one hand and sections 3.9-3.12 on the other hand), in spite of the general overall economic recovery, it would be important to see on what basis it could still be argued that a serious disturbance of the economy within the meaning of article 107(3)(b) TFEU persists. Please provide the necessary data and information to support such statements. Questions regarding sections 3.1 to 3.3 of the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework * QuestionQ3) Section 3.1 (limited amount of aid), section 3.2 (guarantees) and section 3.3 (subsidised loans) were aimed at allowing companies to deal with a sudden shortage in liquidity caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. a) Considering the phasing out of the national restrictive measures, that the economic activity started to resume and that guarantees and loans granted under those sections before 30 June 2022 may also run afterwards or may even be restructured after that date under certain conditions (in line with point 27ter of the Temporary Framework), do you think that the current economic effects caused by COVID-19 pandemic justify an extension of those sections beyond 30 June 2022 on the basis of Article 107(3)(b) TFEU? Answer Yes, it is justified Answer No  * Question b) Have you already made use of the option under point 25ter of the Temporary Framework to convert repayable advances, guarantees, loans or other repayable instruments granted under the COVID-19 Temporary Framework into other forms of aid such as grants, if these measures comply with either section 3.1 or 3.12 or of the possibilities offered under point 27ter of the Temporary Framework for restructuring repayable instruments? Answer Yes Answer No Question If not, please explain why. Oleme andnud abi ainult otsetoetustena. * Question b) If you consider an extension of these sections to be justified, please be specific for each section and provide the necessary data to support your statements. * Question c) Until when these sections should be extended * Question d) Do you consider that these sections need to be adapted to the current circumstances? Please provide arguments taking into account the potential distortive effect on competition in the internal market. Questions regarding sections 3.6 to 3.8 of the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework * Question Q4) Section 3.6 (COVID-19 relevant research and development), section 3.7 (investment aid for testing and upscaling infrastructure) and section 3.8 (investment aid for the production of COVID-19 relevant products) allowed granting support under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU to incentivise companies at the outbreak of the pandemic to deliver in a speedy manner the research, development and production of COVID-19 related products and infrastructure. a) Do you agree that the main purpose of these sections has been achieved? Answer Yes Answer No * Question b) If not, please explain if an extension beyond 30 June 2022 is needed and justified on the basis of Article 107(3)(c) TFEU. Please be specific for each section and provide the necessary data to support your statements. * Question c) Until when these sections should be extended * Question d) Do you consider that those sections need to be adapted to the current circumstances? Please provide arguments taking into account the potential distortive effect on competition in the internal market. Please note that further investment support towards a sustainable recovery may be granted under the new section 3.13 of the Temporary Framework. Questions regarding sections 3.9 and 3.10 of the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework QuestionQ5) Section 3.9 (deferral of tax and/or social security contributions) and section 3.10 (wage subsidies to avoid lay-offs during the COVID-19 outbreak) aimed at preserving employment and reducing the liquidity constraints of companies that were particularly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. a) Do you think that these sections are still needed beyond 30 June 2022 considering the progressive phase-out of national restrictive measures? Answer Yes Answer No Question Please be specific for each section and provide the necessary data to justify your statements. Question b) Until when these sections should be extended Question c) Do you consider that these sections need to be adapted to the current circumstances? Please provide arguments taking into account the potential distortive effect on competition in the internal market. Questions regarding section 3.11 of the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework QuestionQ6) Section 3.11 (recapitalisation measures) aimed at ensuring that the disruption of the economy does not result in the unnecessary exit from the market of companies that were viable before the COVID-19 outbreak. a) Do you consider that the conditions allowing for such aid are still fulfilled nowadays so that aid under this section shall be allowed after 30 June 2022? Answer Yes Answer No Question Please be specific for each section and provide the necessary data to justify your statements. * Question b) Until when should these sections be extended: Question c) Do you consider that this section need to be adapted to the current circumstances? Please provide arguments taking into account the potential distortive effect on competition in the internal market. Questions regarding section 3.12 of the COVID-19 Temporary State Aid Framework * QuestionQ7) Aid under Section 3.12 (support for uncovered fixed costs) aimed to cover part of their fixed costs when their activity was suspended or reduced because of the COVID-19 outbreak and the corresponding sanitary restrictions imposed. a) Considering the phasing out of the national restrictive measures and that the economic activities started to resume, do you consider that aid after 30 June 2022 is still justified? Answer Yes Answer No Question Please provide the necessary data to justify your statements. * Question b) Until when should this section be extended: Question c) Do you consider that this section needs to be adapted to the current circumstances? Please provide arguments taking into account the potential distortive effect on competition in the internal market. QuestionPlease upload supporting material here, if any.