The European Commission approves amendments and an increase in the state aid budget relating to fuel prices

The European Commission has approved amendments — as well as a budget increase of €65 million — to two Spanish state aid schemes aimed at agricultural and fisheries businesses facing rising fuel prices due to the crisis in the Middle East. The amendments have been approved under the Temporary Framework for Aid in Response to the Crisis in the Middle East (METSAF), adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.

The initial scheme for agricultural producers was approved by the Commission on 2 June 2026. Spain notified, amongst other things, a budget increase of €55 million, bringing the total budget to €109 million. An extension of the period of application from 1 July to 31 December 2026 was also notified, as was a change to the calculation of the aid granted under the measure.

The original scheme for fishing enterprises was approved by the Commission on 4 June 2026. Spain notified, amongst other things, an increase in the budget of EUR 10 million, bringing the total to EUR 35 million, and a change to the calculation of the aid granted under the measure.

The Commission has assessed both amendments in accordance with the 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, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission has found that the amended schemes continue to comply with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, the aid will be granted on the basis of schemes with a clear estimated budget and will be provided to temporarily support the development of undertakings engaged in the primary production of agricultural and fisheries products. The Commission has concluded that the amended schemes are necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and do not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission has approved the Spanish amendments in accordance with EU state aid rules.

 

More information: European Commission