The European Commission has approved a €15 million Irish State aid scheme to support fishing and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF).
The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fuel prices on companies active in the primary production of fishery and aquaculture products. It will run until 31st December 2026 and will cover the additional fuel costs resulting from the Middle East crisis incurred during the five-month period from March to July 2026.
Aid will take the form of direct grants. For owners of vessels under six meters in length the aid will be a flat rate of €350, while for owners of vessels of six metres or greater, support will be calculated based on receipted expenditure up to a maximum of €0.40 per litre of fuel.
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, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of 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 fishery 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.
