Large gas-intensive industrial firms will gain access to a range of subsidized products, including ceramics, tiles, paper, glass, iron, steel, aluminum, synthetic fibers, and food products. The government helpline, though not fully up to date, confirms that supplier payments are approved within the legal timeframe, even if the requested aid surpasses the standard limit of 30,000 euros.
The matter was validated by a parliamentary committee after a recent amendment was processed this Thursday, with the Financial Client Defense Officer weighing in. When applying for support, companies must demonstrate that they have complied with the agreed payment terms to suppliers for six months from the actual receipt of the subsidy; failing to meet this extension can lead to a full subsidy repayment.
The reform, which adjusts the general subsidy framework and expands the scope of prior legislation, was pushed by the Ministry of Economy. Antoni Cañete, head of the Multisectoral Platform Against Morosity, noted that the platform’s law promotes flexibility but argues for a temporary six-month relaxation if the change is indeed provisional. He warned that granting a broad exception could mark a risky reversal in policy direction.
Up to 25 million per business group
Under the Creates and Grows law, published in the official gazette on September 28, 2022, large firms with more than 250 employees seeking subsidies must show compliance with legal payment terms, verified by a supplier certificate issued by a registered auditor. This requirement remains in force for those applying for aid under standard conditions.
The latest reform relieves certain companies from this strict requirement when they opt to receive government assistance to offset extra costs arising from the 2022 energy price surge. A government helpline has been established, with a maximum pool of 450 million euros and a per-group cap of 25 million euros. Applications for these subsidies are awaiting a ministry order detailing the helpline’s basics, with a timeline aimed at finalization by the end of June. The Economy Ministry’s push to ease access makes these benefits more widely available, particularly for sectors hit hard by high gas consumption and the energy crisis, while seeking to avoid delaying payments beyond the usual 60-day limit to private providers.
On March 14, 2023, the Council of Ministers published a definitive list of 36 industrial activities eligible for these supports. In addition to ceramics, tiles, paper, glass, iron, steel, and aluminum, the list covers sectors such as fertilizers, plastics, textile finishes, and man-made fibers, as well as food manufacturing categories including sugar, oils and fats, margarine, and a range of fruit and vegetable juices, among others.