EU approval for aid to citrus producers

The EU Commission has approved Cyprus’ proposal to support citrus producers with €500,000 in state aid following the consequences of the war in Ukraine.

Aid will take the form of direct grants with the aim of compensating producers for part of the additional costs incurred especially due to the energy, fuel and fertilisers price increase and to help them overcome their financial difficulties linked to the current geopolitical crisis.

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.

The commission found that the Cypriot scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the temporary crisis framework. In particular, the aid will not exceed €250,000 per beneficiary, and 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.