As we reported last week, the NSFR Competitiveness program for 2021-2027 announced the preliminary publication of a set of state assistance measures called the SME Green Transition, which consists of two measures aimed at quickly updating small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) countries. They are Action 1. Green transformation of SMEs and Action 2. Green production investments of SMEs with a total budget of 350,000,000 euros.

It is noted that potential investors can only apply to one of the two actions, and not to both.

Today we will present the main elements of Action 2. “Green SME Production Investments”, which encourages small investment projects aimed at the use and development of modern technologies, the modernization of manufactured products and / or services provided and their activities in general, encouraging action. that use modern technologies, infrastructure and best practices in energy modernization, the circular economy and the introduction of clean sources.

According to the preliminary publication, operating medium, small and micro enterprises can apply for equity financing. Eligible business activity categories will be defined in a detailed call to action.

The main conditions for the participation of companies applying for financing are:

1. Invest exclusively in one area category.

2. Have at least one full closed year of governance prior to the electronic funding application date.

3. Have and be substantially active (primary or higher income SDF) in eligible investment SDFs for this call prior to the electronic funding application date.

4. Have at least two full-time or part-time EMEs during the calendar year prior to applying for funding.

5. Work legally.

6. Work on the investment project has not started before the application for funding is submitted.

7. Comply with the conditions for the application of the EU Regulation. 1407/2013 (De Minimis) on which the action is based.

8. Operate solely as a corporate/commercial enterprise.

As indicated in the published data, the total supported budget of the funding application is between 30,000 and 200,000 euros. The maximum duration for the completion of the physical and financial facility will be specified in the detailed call to action, but is expected to be no longer than 24 months from the date of issuance of the approval decision.

The aid intensity is set at 40% with the possibility of an additional 10% if the Green Transition Green Spending is implemented and certified at a rate of at least 20% of the total eligible budget of the investment plan. at the final stage of verification.

The main costs covered by the share relate to:

• Expenditure on buildings and other facilities: Buildings, facilities and surrounding area.

• Cost of equipment: Equipment (contractual costs): Production and mechanical equipment, other equipment.

What expenses are covered by the new NSFR 2021-2027 program

• Equipment (green): energy efficiency/energy saving equipment, circular economy equipment, RES energy production equipment for personal consumption.

• Certification of products – services – procedures: Certification and compliance of products with national, harmonized and additional standards of European countries and / or countries outside the EU.

• Certification of services and procedures in accordance with national, harmonized and other European and international standards.

• Intellectual property – patents – transfer of know-how.

• Packaging design – label – branding services.

• Advertising and advertising expenses.

• Participation in exhibitions.

• Technical studies. They include:

– Technical studies are necessarily associated with costs categories 1, 2 and 3.

— Consulting services, investment plan monitoring.

• Vehicles (green). Mandatory electrician.

• Payroll costs for new hires (new staff 1 to 3 EMEs).

• Indirect costs (7% of the eligible direct costs of the investment plan).

The date of application for funding is determined as the start of eligibility.

The procedure for submitting and evaluating applications for funding will be determined by the publication of a detailed program announcement.

The full text of the preliminary publication can be found at http://21-27.antagonistikotita.gr/.

* Ms. Mary Paspalari is the Managing Director of AMBIO SA.