Greece Announces Extra Support for Closed Businesses in April

Photo source: Athens Traders Association (ESA)

Greek businesses that will remain closed in April by state order to curb the spread of rising Covid-19 cases will receive more financial aid ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 euros, Greek Finance Minister Christos Staikouras announced on Monday.

The minister said the aid, which adds up to 130 million euros, is aimed to provide assistance to some 100,000 businesses in Greece, including 10,800 retail stores located in the regional units of Thessaloniki, Achaia and Kozani, which were not allowed to open their doors to consumers on Monday due to a rise in Covid-19 cases in those areas.

Other businesses to receive the aid are active in the sectors of tourism, culture, sports and transport for which their activity has been suspended by the state for April. OPAP betting stores and gyms are also among the affected businesses.

The state aid, which is non-refundable and tax-free, will be distributed to businesses as follows:

– Businesses with 0-5 employees will receive 1,000 euros.
– Businesses with 6-20 employees will receive 2,000 euros.
– Businesses with 21-50 employees will receive 4,000 euros.

Minister Staikouras noted that businesses for which restrictive measures will apply for less than 15 days, will receive half of the aid.

Businesses are expected to receive the extra aid in May.

The extra financial assistance is in addition to the latest round of Covid-19 support measures announced by the Greek government, which includes the 7th round of the “repayable advance” measure for all enterprises, the deferral of March tax and social security contributions and rent exemption for professional-use properties.