The European Commission has approved a scheme by Romania of approximately 164 million euros (815.5 million RON) to support the primary agricultural production sector in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.

The scheme was approved under the Temporary Framework for State Aid in Crisis and Transition, adopted by the Commission on March 9, 2023, and amended on November 20, 2023, to support measures in sectors essential for accelerating the green transition and reducing dependence on fuels.

The aid under the scheme will be limited in value and will take the form of subsidies for interest on loans. The measure will be open to agricultural producers at risk of losing financial liquidity due to agricultural market difficulties caused by Russia's war against Ukraine.

In particular, under Romania's scheme, the aid will not exceed 280,000 EUR per beneficiary and will be granted no later than June 30, 2024.

The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate, and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in accordance with Article 107(3)(b) of the TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Framework for Crisis and Transition.

Based on these considerations, the Commission approved the scheme under EU rules on state aid.

More information on the Temporary Framework for Crisis and Transition, as well as other measures taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia's war against Ukraine and to promote the transition to a net-zero emission economy, is available.

Once any confidentiality issues are resolved, the non-confidential version of the decision will be made available with number SA.111915 in the State Aid Register on the Commission's competition website.