METSAF: Commission approves EUR 25 million Spanish State aid scheme to support fisheries amid fuel price surge
The Commission has approved a EUR 25 million Spanish State aid scheme to support fishing companies affected by increased fuel prices linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis. The scheme was assessed under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (“METSAF”), adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026, and is designed to provide a targeted and temporary response to significant cost pressures in the fisheries sector.
Under the measure, aid will take the form of direct grants covering part of diesel costs incurred between 22 March and 30 June 2026. Beneficiaries may receive EUR 0.20 per litre of fuel, subject to caps of EUR 200,000 per vessel and EUR 400,000 per shipowner, with overall support limited to up to 70% of the additional fuel costs.
The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to address the economic impact of the crisis, while preserving fair competition in the internal market.
For more information, see the Commission’s PR.