site.btaEuropean Commission Approves EUR 86.9 Mln Bulgarian State Aid Scheme to Support Farmers in Context of Russia’s War against Ukraine

The European Commission (EC) has approved an approximately EUR 86.9 million (BGN 170 million) Bulgarian state aid scheme to support farmers in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, adopted by the Commission on March 9, 2023, and amended on November 20, 2023, to support measures in sectors which are key to accelerate the green transition and reduce fuel dependencies.

Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of limited amounts of aid in the form of direct grants. The measure will be open to primary agricultural producers in the sectors of livestock farming, beekeeping, production of fruit and vegetable, oilseed roses, wine and tobacco, that are at risk of losing financial liquidity due to the difficulties in the agricultural market provoked by Russia’s war against Ukraine.

The aid will not exceed EUR 280,000 per beneficiary; and will be granted no later than June 30, 2024. The EC concluded that the 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 and Transition Framework. On this basis, the EC approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.

More information on the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework and other actions taken by the EC to address the economic impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine and foster the transition towards a net-zero economy can be found here.