State aid: Commission approves amendment to a Greek scheme to support non-household electricity consumers in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine

The European Commission has approved amendments to a Greek scheme, including a budget increase of €600 million, to support non-household electricity consumers in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine. The amendments have been approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework, adopted by the Commission on 9 March 2023 to support measures in sectors which are key to accelerating the green transition and reducing fuel dependencies. The new Framework amends and prolongs in part the Temporary Crisis Framework, adopted on 23 March 2022 to enable EU countries to support the economy in the context of the current geopolitical crisis, already amended on 20 July 2022 and on 28 October 2022.

The Commission approved the original scheme on 3 October 2022 (SA.103978). Greece notified the following amendments to the original scheme: (i) an overall budget increase by €600 million; (ii) an adjustment of the maximum aid ceilings for limited amounts of aid; and (iii) an extension of the period, in relation to which the limited amounts of aid may be granted, until 31 December 2023.

The Commission found that the aid scheme, as amended, is in line with the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. In particular, the aid (i) will not exceed €250,000 per company active in the primary production of agricultural products, €300,000 per company active in the fishery and aquaculture sectors and €2 million per company active in all other sectors; and (ii) will be granted no later than 31 December 2023. The Commission concluded that the amended scheme remains necessary, appropriate and proportionate to remedy a serious disturbance in the economy of a Member State, in line with Article 107(3)(b) TFEU and the conditions set out in the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework. On this basis, the Commission approved the modified scheme under EU State aid rules.

More information on the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework and other actions taken by the Commission to address the economic impact of Russia’s war against Ukraine and foster the transition towards a net-zero economy can be found here. The non-confidential version of the decision will be made available under the number SA.106574 in the State aid register on the Commission's competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

Related links

• Temporary Crisis Framework (2022/C 426/01)
• Ukraine
• EU Neighbourhood-East