The budget of the SME PLUS state aid scheme will be added Ron 2.5 billion, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced on Thursday at the beginning of the government meeting.

Ciolacu said that the measure is „essential” to support the private sector.

„We are increasing the budget of the SME PLUS state aid scheme by about Ron 2.5 billion, up to a total of almost Ron 15 billion. We can thus support 13,800 companies, 2,300 more than before the budget increase,” Ciolacu said.

The draft emergency ordinance amends the annex to GEO 18/2024 approving the SME PLUS state aid scheme.

„It is proposed to increase the total budget of the state aid scheme associated with the programme by the amount of Ron 2,499,875,096.61, up to a total amount of Ron 14,999,250,579.70, respectively to increase the total ceiling of state guarantees that can be issued under the programme by the amount of Ron 2,220,000,000 up to a total amount of Ron 13,320,000,000 and the increase of the grant budget by Ron 279,875,096.62 up to a total amount of Ron 1,679,250,579.70. The implementation of the proposed amendments will ensure access to the aid measures granted under the state aid scheme for an estimated number of 2,300 additional beneficiaries, so that it is estimated that state aid will be granted to a maximum total of 13,800 beneficiaries,” the draft ordinance explanatory memorandum reads.

AGERPRES