European Commission approved €86.9 million in state aid to support Bulgarian farmers in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.

The European Commission said on March 25 it has approved an approximately €86.9 million (BGN 170 million) Bulgarian scheme to support farmers in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine.

Under the scheme, the aid will take the form of limited amounts of aid in the form of direct grants.

The measure will be open to primary agricultural producers in the sectors of livestock farming, beekeeping, production of fruit and vegetable, oilseed roses, wine and tobacco, that are at risk of losing financial liquidity due to the difficulties in the agricultural market provoked by the Russia's war against Ukraine, the EC said in the statement.

The aid will not exceed €280,000 per beneficiary; and will be granted no later than 30 June 2024.

The EC approved the granting of state aid on the basis of the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework adopted in March 2023. The temporary framework provides for the granting of state aid to sectors that are key to accelerating the green transition and reducing fuel dependency.