The European Commission has approved a €212 million budget increase and an extension of the eligibility period for a French State aid scheme for agricultural and aquaculture companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The amendment was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.
The original scheme aimed to mitigate the impact of the increase in non-road diesel fuel prices (gazole non routier, ‘GNR’) on companies active in the production of agricultural and aquaculture products. It was approved by the Commission on 22 June 2026 with a €212 million budget to help companies for their fuel expenses for the period covering May to August 2026. France notified a budget increase of €212 million, bringing the total budget to €424 million, and extended the eligible period of fuel expenses to cover the months of September to December 2026.
The Commission assessed the amendment 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. The Commission found that the amended scheme remains 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 agricultural and aquaculture products. The Commission concluded that the amended 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 amendment under EU State aid rules.
More information on the METSAF is available online. The non-confidential versions of today’s decision will be made available under case number SA.124997, in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.
