The European Commission has approved a scheme from Romania of approximately 56 million euros (278.6 million RON) to support the pork and poultry sectors 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 fossil fuels.

Aid under the scheme will be in the form of limited-value direct grants. The measure will be open to pork and poultry breeders who are at risk of losing financial liquidity due to agricultural market difficulties caused by Russia's war against Ukraine.

In particular, under Romania's scheme, aid (i) will not exceed 280,000 EUR per beneficiary and (ii) will be granted no later than June 30, 2024.

The Commission has 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 has approved the scheme under EU state aid rules.

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 emission economy, is available. Once any confidentiality issues have been resolved, the non-confidential version of the decision will be made available with reference number SA.112165 in the State Aid Register on the Commission's competition website.