The European Commission has approved a EUR 218 million (BGN 426 million) Bulgarian scheme to support certain agricultural producers in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EC said Monday evening. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on March 23, 2022 and amended on July 20, 2022.
“The agricultural sector has been hit particularly hard by the increases of energy prices and other input costs caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the related sanctions. This EUR 218 million scheme approved today will enable Bulgaria to support farmers affected by the current geopolitical crisis,” said Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, as quoted by the press release.
The Bulgarian measure
Bulgaria notified to the Commission under the Temporary Crisis Framework a EUR 218 million (BGN 426 million) scheme to support certain agricultural producers in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The measure will be open to micro, small and medium-sized companies active in the primary production of certain agricultural products, which have been affected by the price increase of energy, fertilizers and other input costs, caused by the current geopolitical crisis and the related sanctions.
The primary production of the following agricultural products is covered by the scheme: small and large ruminants, horses, beehives, fruits and vegetables (in particular salads and lettuce, okra and courgette), rose oil, wine vines, nuts and tobacco.
Under this scheme, the eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive limited amounts of aid in the form of direct grants. The aid amount per beneficiary will be calculated on the basis of the number of animals and of hectares of agricultural land.
The Commission found that the Bulgarian scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid will not exceed EUR 62,000 per beneficiary; and will be granted no later than December 31, 2022.
The State aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted on March 23, 2022, enables Member States to use the flexibility foreseen under State aid rules to support the economy in the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Temporary Crisis Framework has been amended on July 20, 2022, to complement the Winter Preparedness Package and in line with the REPowerEU Plan objectives.
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