EU Commission approves Swedish aid for fisheries and aquaculture amid rising fuel costs

The European Commission has approved a €149 million support scheme, financed by Sweden, to help mitigate the impact of rising fuel and fertiliser costs on agricultural, fisheries and aquaculture companies resulting from price increases caused by the Middle East crisis.

This scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF), adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026, and will remain in force until 31 December 2026.

During this period, the Commission will review the content, scope and duration of the framework in light of developments in the situation in the Middle East and the general economic context.

In addition, the METSAF introduces a temporary adjustment to the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework, providing greater flexibility and allowing for higher aid intensities.

For fisheries and aquaculture companies, the aid will cover 85% of the estimated increase in fuel costs and will not exceed €50,000 per company. The support will be granted in the form of direct grants.

According to the Commission, the measure is "necessary, appropriate and proportionate" to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect competition or trade conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest.

Also under the METSAF framework, last June the European Commission approved state aid schemes in France and Spain to support fisheries and aquaculture operators affected by the same crisis. Three aid schemes in Spain and France were confirmed by the Commission, all of which will run until the end of 2026.