On Wednesday 18 May, the European Commission authorised a €1.2 billion Italian umbrella scheme to support the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture sectors in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The scheme was approved under the State Aid Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022.
Eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to receive limited amounts of aid in one of the following forms: direct grants, tax or payment advantages, repayable advances, or reduction or exemption from the payment of social security contributions.
The measure will be open to companies of all sizes active in the agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture sectors affected by the rise in electricity, feed and fuel prices due to the current geopolitical crisis and the related sanctions.
The Commission found that the Italian scheme complied with the conditions set out. In particular, the aid will not exceed €35 000 per beneficiary active in the primary production of agricultural products, fisheries or aquaculture and €400 000 per company active in all other sectors. It will be granted no later than 31 December 2022. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)