CComments on proposed revision of EU State aid rules for agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors

The European Commission is inviting all interested parties to comment on proposed revised State aid rules for the agricultural, forestry and fishery sectors. The purpose of the proposed revision is to align the current rules with the current EU strategic priorities, in particular the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), as well as to the European Green Deal. Member States and other interested parties can respond to the consultation until 13 March 2022. The Commission has conducted an evaluation of the existing rules applicable to the agricultural and forestry sectors and is also performing an evaluation of the rules applicable to the fishery sector. The input gathered has been reflected in the proposals under consultation. On this basis, the Commission considers that the rules under scrutiny work well and are broadly fit for purpose. At the same time, the evaluation revealed that they need certain targeted revisions including clarifications of some concepts, further streamlining and simplification, as well as adjustments to further reflect market and technological developments and the current EU's strategic priorities. Furthermore, the rules need to be adapted to enable Member States to quickly enact the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the new European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). In this context, the Commission is proposing a number of changes to the different sets of rules. The adoption of the revised rules is planned for the end of 2022. Executive Vice-President Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, stated: ”Today's proposals aim to ensure that our rules on State aid for the agricultural, forestry and fishery sectors are fit for the green transition. The revised rules will also make it easier and faster for Member States to provide funding, without causing undue distortions of competition in the Single Market. We encourage all interested parties to share their views.” A press release is available online.