Brussels, 19 October 2026
The European Commission has approved a €52 million budget increase to a Spanish State aid scheme for agricultural companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The amendment was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.
The original scheme was approved by the Commission on 2 June 2026. The Commission approved a €55 million budget increase on 14 July 2026. Spain notified a new budget increase of €52 million, bringing the total budget to €161 million. The scheme covers aid for farmers linked to the increase of prices of diesel fuel until 31 December 2026.
The Commission assessed the amendment under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF. The Commission found that the amended scheme remains in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget and will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of agricultural products. The Commission concluded that the amended scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Spanish amendment under EU State aid rules.
More information on the METSAF is available online. The non-confidential versions of today’s decision will be made available under case number SA.124966, in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website.