The European Commission has approved a €15 million French State aid scheme to support companies in the agricultural and aquaculture sectors throught the Middle East crisis that has unleased spiralling fuel prices.
The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF). France notified to the Commission a €15 million scheme to support companies active in the primary production of agricultural and aquaculture products. The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in non-road diesel fuel prices for fuel purchased in April 2026. The scheme will run until 31st December 2026.
Between February and April 2026, the average price of non-road diesel increased from €0.70 to €1.22 per litre (excluding tax); an increase of 74%. The aid will take the form of direct grants based on the volume of fuel purchased. Companies can receive €0.0386 per litre purchased from 1st to 30th April 2026. The aid will cover up to 70% of the additional costs resulting from the Middle East crisis.
The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU (TFEU), which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions.
The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget, and aid will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of agricultural and aquaculture products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the French scheme under EU State aid rules.
