The European Commission has approved a €4.5 million (US$5.2 million) German state aid scheme for 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) adopted by the commission on April 29, 2026.
Germany notified to the commission a €4.5 million scheme to support companies active in the primary production of fishery and aquaculture products.
The scheme, which will run until December 31, 2026, aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fuel prices.
The aid will take the form of direct grants. The scheme concerns the grant of a limited amount of aid based on the increase of fuel prices.
The aid intensity corresponds to 70 per cent of the estimated increase in fuel costs for fishery and aquaculture companies during the period from March 1 until July 23, 2026. The aid will not exceed €50,000 (US$58,000) per company.
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 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.
