European Commission announced on Friday that it had approved €2 million Irish State aid for horticulture companies facing increased fuel prices.
Announcement in full:
“The European Commission has approved a €2 million Irish State aid scheme for horticulture 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 29 April 2026.
The scheme, which will run until 31 December 2026, aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fuel prices on companies active in the primary production of agricultural products, in particular growers of fruit and vegetable crops using heated horticultural structures. The aid will take the form of direct grants and will cover the additional fuel costs resulting from the Middle East crisis incurred between 1 March and 31 December 2026.
The Commission assessed the scheme 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 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 agricultural 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. On this basis, the Commission approved the Irish scheme under EU State aid rules.”