The European Commission has approved a plan submitted by the Maltese government to provide fuel aid to the nation’s commercial fishing sector.
Malta is the latest country to receive approval from the European Commission for a state aid scheme to offset higher fuel prices caused by war in Iran. In response to attacks by the U.S. and Israel, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical throughway for much of the world’s oil supply.
In response to elevated fuel costs, the European Commission approved the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) in April. The framework authorizes member states to provide financial aid commercial fishers, aquaculture companies, and other businesses affected by high fuel prices.
The Maltese plan includes up to EUR 700,000 (USD 806,897) in financial aid to businesses “in primary production of fishery products,” with companies receiving direct grants based on their fuel purchases between 1 March and 31 December. Recipients will be awarded 70 percent of the cost difference between what they paid for fuel and a pre-crisis benchmark taken in February 2026.
The European Commission approved the plan 13 August.
“The commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF,” the commission said in its announcement. “The commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate, and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest.”
Spain, France, Croatia, Ireland, Sweden, and the autonomous region of Friuli Venezia Giulia in Italy have all proposed fuel aid programs that have been approved by the commission.
