The European Commission approves aid of 52 million euros for Romanian cattle breeders affected by rising fuel prices

Cattle farmers in Romania will receive financial support of up to €52 million after the European Commission approved on Monday, September 14, 2026, the state aid scheme proposed by the Romanian authorities. The measure targets farms affected by rising diesel and fertilizer costs amid the crisis in the Middle East.

The funds will be granted as direct payments to farms, with the maximum amount per beneficiary set at €50,000. The scheme applies exclusively to the cattle-focused livestock sector and will remain in force until December 31, 2026.

The European Commission assessed the measure under EU state aid rules and the Temporary Framework for State Aid created in response to the crisis in the Middle East, adopted on April 29, 2026. Brussels concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate and complies with European conditions.

The support may be granted on the basis of invoices and fuel consumption, or through simplified procedures for smaller amounts. The measure complements agricultural subsidies financed from European funds and aims to prevent financial bottlenecks and bankruptcies among Romanian farms.