State aid: Commission approves €3.9 million Estonian scheme to support agricultural producers in context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

The European Commission has approved a €3.9 million Estonian scheme to support the beef, poultry and horticulture sectors in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022, based on Article 107(3)(b) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’), recognising that the EU economy is experiencing a serious disturbance.

Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: “This scheme will enable Estonia to support agricultural producers affected by the input costs increase caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the related sanctions. We continue to stand with Ukraine and its people. At the same time, we continue working closely with Member States to ensure that national support measures can be put in place in a timely, coordinated and effective way, while protecting the level playing field in the Single Market.”

State aid: Commission approves 500 million Finnish scheme

 

The Estonian measure

Estonia notified to the Commission a €3.9 million scheme to support the beef, poultry and horticulture producers in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Under this scheme, the eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive limited amounts of aid in the form of direct grants.

The measure will be open to companies of all sizes active in the beef, poultry and horticulture sectors affected by the price increase of electricity, animal feed and fuel caused by the current geopolitical crisis and the related sanctions.

The Commission found that the Estonian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €35,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2022.

The Commission concluded that the Estonian scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework.

On this basis, the Commission approved the aid measure under EU State aid rules.

For further information

European Commission — Press release