Source: European Parliament
18.10.2024
Question for written answer E-002178/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Emmanouil Fragkos (ECR)
Unfortunately, Thessaly’s tourism industry became collateral damage in the catastrophic floods of September 2023. The fact that the businesses affected in Thessaly have failed to recover is taking a toll on the Greek tourism industry as a whole.
Industry representatives are calling for a specific financial instrument to provide direct financial support for tourism businesses that have suffered a huge loss of income, as well as a change in the regulatory framework governing the NSRF and the possibility of funding commensurate with that made available in 2020 as part of the amendment to address the economic crisis associated with the COVID-19 period.
In view of Article 107(2) TFEU, Member States may determine the design of State aid in compliance with EU State aid rules.
In light of the above:
- 1.Does the Commission not consider that reducing red tape and regulatory barriers for tourism businesses to allow them to benefit from the NSRF could help restore their competitiveness to the levels enjoyed before the catastrophic floods?
- 2.Does the Commission not consider that a temporary tax break for tourism businesses in Thessaly could be an effective way of supporting them with minimal red tape?
- 3.Provided that there is the time and money for tourism businesses in Thessaly to benefit from the Recovery and Resilience Fund, does the Commission not agree that this kind of targeted support would be fully compatible with the purpose of the Fund?
Submitted: 18.10.2024