The ninth anti-corona package (PKP9)

On 7 July 2021, the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia adopted the Act on Intervention Measures to Assist the Economy and Tourism Sector (ZIUPGT) – the so called »ninth anti-corona package« or »PKP9«. The Act entered into force on 14 July 2021.

To enable you an easier overview of the measures under the PKP9, we have prepared a summary of important novelties from the Act. The entire Act is available at the following link: ZIUPGT.

• Financial incentive scheme COVID-19

In accordance with the Act, financial incentives regulated in ZIUOOPE, in the form of grants and return funding, to ensure current operations and liquidity of companies and adequate security or safe operations of companies in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, to co-finance the loss of income in tourism and catering (food service activities), to provide support to manufacturing in border problem areas, to ensure the digitalization and digital transformation of companies and for development projects in progress or with the potential for early start-up, may be granted by 31 December 2021, however such measures may be implemented after approval by the European Commission.

• Assistance in the form of partial reimbursement of uncovered fixed costs

Regarding the assistance in the form of partial reimbursement of uncovered fixed costs, notwithstanding the fourth paragraph of Article 112 of the ZIUOPDVE, the beneficiary which has exercised the aid for the period from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021 and subsequently finds out that it did not fulfil the conditions for obtaining such aid or has requested an excessive amount of assistance, shall inform FURS of such occurrence by the deadline for the submission of corporate tax returns for 2021 including the data for the second half of 2021, or by the deadline for the submission of the business tax return for 2021, or by the deadline for submission of the final return after the entity has been terminated, and shall return the amount of assistance received within 30 days of notification of the decision.

• Reimbursement of wage compensation for reduced full-time work

The ZIUPGT also includes a measure to reimburse the wage compensation for reduced full-time, which employers can enforce from 1 July 2021 to 30 September 2021, with the government being able to extend the measure by a decision for a maximum of three months. Employers are entitled to a refund of 80 % of the wage compensation (gross II.), where the amount of reimbursement is limited by the amount of half of the average monthly wage in the Republic of Slovenia for 2020. In this case, prior notification of assigned part-time work is no longer necessary, however the employer is obligated to inform the Employment Service of Slovenia in case it summons the employee, who is temporarily working part-time, back to full-time work.

• Assistance for financing the 2021 annual holiday allowance

The Act also provides assistance to finance the 2021 annual holiday allowance of EUR 1,024 per employee for beneficiaries who are unable to pursue or carry out activities to a significantly reduced extent as a result of the epidemic (a decrease in revenue of more than 20 % compared to 2019 and 2020 respectively). The amount shall be determined in a pro rata part of the amount if the employee is entitled to a proportionate allowance in accordance with Employment Relationship Act.

• Assistance to the meeting and event industry

As a novelty, ZIUPGT also introduces assistance in the form of partial reimbursement of the costs for organizing meetings and events, which includes congress tourism and the organization of events, concerts, fairs and other similar events. Aid shall include reimbursements of 80 % of the eligible cancellation costs or 60 % for the limited implementation of events, the total cost of the event being at least EUR 10,000. The event must be scheduled in the Republic of Slovenia during the period from 1 August 2021 to 31 December 2021 inclusive.

• Vouchers to improve economic situation of consumption in catering, tourism, sport and culture

The Act also regulates vouchers for beneficiaries residing in the Republic of Slovenia on 30 June 2021 who are adults or persons who will turn 18 in 2021, with such vouchers amounting to EUR 100. Nevertheless, persons who do not fulfil the age requirement, but do fulfill the requirement of residence, are entitled to a voucher in the amount of EUR 50. Vouchers, unlike last year, can also be used for services in the fields of hospitality, tourism, sports and culture.

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For additional details regarding measures under the anti-corona legislation, we are available via e-mail  or telephone +386 (0)1 2445500, or you can directly contact the lawyer you are generally in contact with.

Law firm Kavčič, Bračun & Partners, o.p., d.o.o.

Ljubljana, 16.7.2021

All information contained herein is obtained from publicly available data or other sources believed to be reliable. This document is for general information purposes only, may be subject to change and may not be used instead of a legal opinion/advice. KBP does not guarantee the accuracy of the information and shall not be liable for any damages or costs in connection with the use of, or reliance on, the information contained herein.