The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, a €37 million Croatian measure to support the construction of an industry centre for the gaming sector in Novska, Sisak-Moslavina.
The measure will allow the construction and equipping of two facilities dedicated to the gaming sector: a business incubator and a business accelerator. They will offer both standard and specialised workspaces, such as conference rooms, offices, and game testing areas, as well as business support services to start-ups and SMEs in the sector.
The project is co-financed by the Just Transition Fund in Sisak-Moslavina, a region facing the challenges of transitioning away from heavy industries. The project will support the diversification of economic activities in the region with a focus on information and communications technology, specifically the gaming sector. It will also contribute to attracting and retaining talent in the area. The aid will take the form of a direct grant to RK SMŽ, the Regional Coordinator of the Sisak-Moslavina County, owner of the building.
The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions. The Commission found that the measure is necessary and appropriate for the construction of the facilities which will contribute to the development of new economic activities, benefitting the Just Transition area of Sisak-Moslavina. Furthermore, the Commission found that the aid is proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary, and will have a limited impact on competition and trade between Member States. On this basis, the Commission approved the Croatian measure under EU State aid rules.
The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the case number SA.113992 in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
