The European Commission has approved the extension and amendment of the Spanish state aid scheme for road transport companies affected by the rise in fuel prices resulting from the crisis in the Middle East.
The scheme was initially authorized on June 29, 2026, under the Temporary Framework for aid in response to the crisis in the Middle East, known as METSAF.
The measure initially covered the period from March to June 2026. With the approved modification, the scheme will be extended for three months and will also include the months of July and August 2026.
The estimated budget for the program will increase to reach 703 million euros. In addition, the amounts of the aid have been adjusted to take into account the temporary reduction of the national special tax on hydrocarbons.
The rest of the conditions set out in the initial program will remain unchanged.
The Commission has reviewed the scheme in accordance with European Union rules on state aid. Specifically, the evaluation has been conducted in accordance with Article 107, paragraph 3, letter c), of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which allows member states to support the development of certain economic activities under certain conditions.
The analysis has also taken into account sections 1 and 2.2 of METSAF, which set out the applicable requirements for this type of support measures.
Following its evaluation, the Commission has determined that the notified scheme meets the conditions set out in the temporary framework. The Community Executive considers that the approved extension and modifications do not alter the conclusions reached in the initial decision.
Brussels maintains that the scheme is necessary, appropriate, and proportionate to facilitate the development of the affected economic activity and that it does not modify the conditions of exchanges in a way contrary to the common interest.