Commission greenlights €70 Million Spanish State Aid Scheme to Support Digitalisation of Print Media
The scheme to support the digitalisation of newspapers and periodical publications aims to modernise Spain’s print media sector, which currently faces underinvestment in digital technologies, and to enhance economic sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience. It also seeks to promote higher-quality content, media pluralism, and improved accessibility for consumers through digital solutions such as anti-disinformation tools, source traceability, certification, and transparency platforms.
Under the scheme, vouchers will be granted to eligible newspapers and periodical publications to acquire digitalisation solutions, including editorial management systems, cloud storage, and cybersecurity tools. Direct grants will be provided to support advanced digitalisation projects. The scheme will remain in place until 31 December 2028.
The Commission assessed the measure under Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities. It concluded that the scheme is necessary and appropriate to address the underinvestment in digitalisation and proportionate, as it is limited to the minimum necessary and has a limited impact on competition and trade within the EU.
For more information, see the Commission’s PR.