State aid: Commission approves €500,000 Cypriot scheme to support citrus producers in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine

The scheme was approved under the State Aid State Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted by the Commission on 23 March 2022 and amended on 20 July 2022 and on 28 October 2022.

Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of direct grants. The purpose of the scheme is to compensate eligible beneficiaries for part of the additional costs incurred especially due to the energy, fuel and fertilizers price increase and to help them overcome their financial difficulties linked to the current geopolitical crisis.

The Commission found that the Cypriot scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €250,000 per beneficiary; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the scheme under EU State aid rules.

More information on the Temporary Crisis Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.105732 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.