By virtue of the Temporary Framework for State Aid for the Middle East Crisis (METSAF), the European Commission has approved a Spanish state aid scheme amounting to 74 million euros to support maritime transport companies affected by the rise in fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis.
This aid scheme, adopted by the European Commission on April 29, aims to mitigate the impact of the rise in fuel prices for maritime use on companies providing regular maritime transport services for passengers, goods, and roll-on/roll-off transshipment on specific routes connecting mainland Spain with the non-mainland territories of Ceuta and Melilla, the Balearic Islands, and the Canary Islands, as well as on certain inter-island routes. The aid will consist of direct grants.
The amount will be based on the actual fuel consumption calculated according to a fixed coefficient dependent on the gross tonnage and nautical miles sailed on the subsidizable routes. The scheme will cover the additional fuel costs arising from the Middle East crisis incurred between March 21 and September 21, 2026. The aid will not exceed 70% of the additional fuel costs arising from the Middle East crisis.
The Commission has assessed the measure in accordance with EU state aid rules, and in particular Article 107, paragraph 3, letter c), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (‘TFEU’), which allows Member States to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions, and sections 1 and 2.3. of the METSAF.
The European body has found that the scheme complies with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, the aid will be granted on the basis of a scheme with a clear estimated budget and its purpose will be to temporarily support the development of companies with activities in the maritime transport sector. The Commission has concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate, and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not distort trading conditions to the detriment of the common interest.