The European Commission has approved an up to €24 million Romanian scheme (RON 118,6 million) to support investments in sea and inland ports in the context of Russia’s war against Ukraine. The scheme was approved under the State aid Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework.
Under the scheme, the aid will consist of limited amounts of aid in the form of direct grants. The measure, partially funded through the cohesion funds, will support private port operators in order to enhance the functioning of the “Ukraine-EU Solidarity Lanes”.
The aim of the measure is to overcome the shortcomings of the capacity of the ports’ superstructure, among others for the procurement of equipment for short-distance transport of freight and the extension of storage capacities for temporary storage. It will also facilitate grains transport and transit via Romanian ports that need urgent support to handle the increased traffic flows of goods.
The Commission concluded that the Romanian scheme is 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 aid measure under EU State aid rules.
Commissioner Didier Reynders in charge of competition policy, said: “This €24 million scheme will enable Romania to support private port operators affected by the current crisis, allowing them to increase the capacity of the ports’ superstructure and to accommodate the increased traffic flows. With this measure, the operating capacity in the sea and river ports in Romania, where goods from and to Ukraine are transited, will be streamlined, while contributing to the EU’s efforts to stabilise the markets global food supply and improving food security worldwide”.
A press release is available online.
