This article was featured in Eurofish Magazine 5 2026.
The European Commission has approved a €285 million Italian aid scheme to support businesses facing higher fuel costs linked to the crisis in the Middle East. Fisheries and aquaculture companies are included in the package alongside the agricultural sector. Support will be provided through direct grants and tax advantages, with the scheme remaining in force until 31 December 2026. For fisheries and aquaculture operators, the amount of aid will be calculated on the basis of estimated fuel consumption. However, the share of the total package that will be allocated specifically to the seafood sector has not been specified.
The measure was approved under the EU’s Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework, introduced in April 2026 to help businesses manage higher energy and input costs. Similar support schemes have already been approved in several other EU Member States. The Commission concluded that the Italian scheme complies with EU State aid rules and is necessary and proportionate to address the economic impact of elevated fuel prices.
