The European Commission has approved a scheme from Romania of around EUR 241 million (1.2 billion RON) to support the primary plant production sector in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.

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

The aid under the scheme will be in the form of limited-value direct grants. The measure will be open to agricultural producers of certain plant products, especially producers of winter cereals and rapeseed, who are at risk of losing financial liquidity due to the agricultural market difficulties caused by Russia's war against Ukraine.

In particular, under Romania's scheme, the aid (i) will not exceed EUR 280,000 per beneficiary, and (ii) 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.

Further 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 emissions economy, is available.

After any confidentiality issues are resolved, the non-confidential version of the decision will be made available with the number SA.111997 in the State Aid Register on the Commission's competition website.