10/07/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 10 July, the European Commission authorised an Irish State aid scheme worth €2 million for horticultural businesses facing higher fuel prices linked to the crisis in the Middle East. This aid, which will take the form of direct grants and will be available until 31 December, specifically relates to fruit and vegetable producers using heated horticultural structures. It will cover the additional fuel costs incurred between 1 March and 31 December 2026 as a result of rising energy prices. The scheme was approved under the temporary State aid framework linked to the crisis in the Middle East (METSAF), which was adopted by the European Commission on 29 April. The Commission is of the opinion that the Irish scheme complies with EU State aid rules, with the aid deemed temporary, targeted and proportionate in supporting the agricultural producers concerned. (LC)