Brussels on Wednesday announced a temporary relaxation of state aid rules, allowing European Union member states to channel public funds into sectors severely affected by rising energy costs.
The European Commission said the move will enable governments to support hard-hit industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and transport as energy and input costs continue to rise.
EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera said the decision was driven by the need for urgent and effective responses to economic pressures facing citizens and businesses across the bloc.
“The impact on our citizens and companies demands immediate answers. They need to be proportionate, they need to be effective,” she said at a briefing in Brussels.
Under the new framework, EU countries can compensate firms in affected sectors for part of their increased fuel or fertiliser costs based on actual consumption. A simplified scheme also allows governments to provide up to €50,000 to beneficiaries without requiring detailed documentation of fuel usage.
The Commission said the measures are aimed at easing pressure on small farmers, transport operators, and other energy-intensive industries, while maintaining a coordinated European policy approach.
The relaxed rules will remain in force until December 31, 2026, but will be reviewed depending on developments in the Middle East and broader economic conditions.
Several member states, including France, Germany, and Italy, have already introduced national support packages to cushion households and businesses from rising energy costs.
EU Eases State Aid Rules to Support Energy-Hit Sectors
