On Friday1 July, the European Commission approved a €5 billion French scheme to support energy-intensive companies in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The aid will take the form of direct grants for additional costs due to severe increases in natural gas and electricity prices. It will be open to energy-intensive companies from different sectors, with the exception of credit and financial institutions.
The Commission found that the French scheme was in line with the conditions set out in the temporary crisis framework. The total amount of aid per beneficiary may not exceed 30% of the eligible costs, up to a maximum of €2 million. Energy-intensive users that incur operating losses may receive further aid up to €25 million and, if they are active in particularly affected sectors and sub-sectors, up to €50 million.
Furthermore, the total amount of aid for large energy consumers cannot exceed 50% of eligible costs (70% for those operating in particularly affected sectors). The total amount of aid can cover a maximum of 80% of the losses incurred. Finally, the public support will be granted by 31 December 2022 at the latest. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)