Greek scheme of EUR 31 million euro to support agricultural products in the context of the Russian war against Ukraine, the European Commission has approved.

The scheme was approved under the Temporary State Aid Framework, which adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 for the support measures in key sectors to accelerate the green transition and decarbonisation. The new framework modifies and partially extends the temporary crisis framework adopted on 23 March 2022 to allow member states to support the economy in the context of the current geopolitical crisis and amended on 20 July 2022 and 28 October 2022.

Under the scheme, the aid will be granted in the form of direct grants. The measure is aimed at producers of various agricultural products such as:

• pears
• crocus
• tobacco and
• apiculture products

The purpose of the agricultural support measure is to compensate eligible beneficiaries for part of the additional production costs they have incurred as a result of the increase in the price of energy and other inputs and to help them overcome the financial difficulties they are facing as a result of the current crisis.

The Commission found that the Greek scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. In particular, the aid:

(i) not more than EUR 250 000 per beneficiary; and

(ii) will be granted until 31 December 2023

The Commission concluded that the programme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State in accordance with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.