European Commission approves €170 million aid for Bulgarian farmers

The European Commission has approved a €170 million state aid scheme for Bulgarian primary agricultural producers, colloquially referred to as ‘Iranian aid’. The measure is designed to mitigate the impact of rising diesel and fertilizer costs resulting from the crisis in the Middle East.

The support will be provided in the form of direct non-reimbursable grants. Each enterprise engaged in primary agricultural production can receive a maximum of €50,000. This ceiling applies to the total amount received for both fuel and fertilizers throughout the duration of the Temporary Crisis Framework, which remains in effect until the end of 2026.

Following this approval, the Governing Council of the State Fund Agriculture must confirm the implementation guidelines. Payouts are expected to be completed by the end of the current year.