European Commission approves €170 million in Bulgarian state aid for farmers

Bulgaria has received approval from the European Commission for a state aid scheme entitled “Support for farmers engaged in primary agricultural production in connection with the crisis in the Middle East”, known as the “Iran aid”, the Ministry of Agriculture said. The measure was developed under the Temporary Crisis Framework for State Aid in response to the crisis in the Middle East and was submitted by Bulgaria for notification on 1 September 2026.

The scheme has a budget of €170 million and will provide grant support to cover part of the increased costs of gasoil and fertilisers resulting from the crisis in the Middle East. The maximum amount of aid is €50,000 per undertaking. Payments are to be completed by the end of this year.

Edited by Miglena Ivanova