Commission approves €25 million Spanish State aid for fishing companies

The European Commission has approved a €25 million Spanish State aid scheme to support fishing companies facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.

The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.

The Spanish scheme

Spain notified to the Commission a €25 million scheme to support companies active in the primary production of fishery products. The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fuel prices. The scheme will run until 31 December 2026.

The aid will take the form of direct grants. Companies can receive €0.20 for each litre of diesel purchased from 22 March 2026 until 30 June 2026, up to a maximum of €200,000 per vessel and €400,000 per shipowner. The aid can cover up to 70% of the additional fuel costs resulting from the Middle East crisis.

The Commission assessed the scheme 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 scheme is 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 aid will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of fishery products. The Commission concluded that the 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 scheme under EU State aid rules.

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