Pictured: A French fishing boat returns to harbour.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
The European Commission has approved state aid schemes in France and Spain to support fisheries and aquaculture operators affected by higher fuel prices caused by the Middle East crisis.
The measures were approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), which was adopted by the Commission at the end of April, and followed calls for urgent action from Europêche and other industry stakeholders warning of the critical economic situation facing many operators in the wake of a spike in fuel prices.
The temporary framework allows EU member states to support sectors considered particularly exposed to the economic effects of the crisis, including fisheries, agriculture, transport and energy-intensive industries.
According to the Commission, marine fuel prices rose by around 75% between late February and April 2026, significantly increasing operating costs for a sector highly dependent on fuel.
However, the Commission said that while the funding framework offers short-term relief, the crisis underlines the need to reduce the sector’s dependence on fossil fuels and thus shield operators from future energy disruptions.
Three aid schemes in Spain and France have been confirmed by the Commission, all of which will run until the end of 2026.
In Spain, the Commission approved a €25 million scheme to support companies active in the primary production of fishery products. The aid will take the form of direct grants and is intended to mitigate the impact of increased fuel prices.
Under the Spanish scheme, companies can receive €0.20 for each litre of diesel purchased between 22 March and 30 June 2026. Support will be capped at €200,000 per vessel and €400,000 per shipowner, and can cover up to 70% of the additional fuel costs resulting from the Middle East crisis.
The Commission has also approved two French schemes under the framework.
The first, worth €13 million, will support fishing companies facing higher marine fuel prices and was the first measure approved under METSAF. The scheme covers fuel costs for April and May 2026, with companies eligible to receive €0.20 per litre for fuel purchased in April and €0.35 per litre for fuel purchased in May.
A second French scheme, worth €15 million, will support agricultural and aquaculture companies affected by higher non-road diesel fuel prices, and applies to fuel purchased in April 2026. Eligible companies can receive €0.0386 per litre of non-road diesel purchased from 1 to 30 April 2026. The Commission said the aid can cover up to 70% of additional costs linked to the Middle East crisis.
Commenting on the first French fisheries scheme, Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said: “Thanks to the METSAF, France’s fishery sector will receive quick support. In the short term, this helps an economic activity directly hit by unprecedented volatility in energy markets, while preserving a level playing field and minimising potential distortions.”
“In the medium and longer terms, this crisis further emphasises that resilience and decarbonisation are intertwined: investing in a clean, just and competitive transition is the only way to guarantee a truly sustainable European economy,” Ribera added.