‘(55)

The Commission considers that the aggression against Ukraine by Russia and its direct and indirect effects, including the sanctions imposed and the counter measures taken, for example by Russia have created significant economic uncertainties, disrupted trade flows and supply chains, and led to exceptionally large and unexpected price increases, especially in natural gas and electricity, but also in numerous other input and raw materials and primary goods. Those effects taken together have caused a serious disturbance of the economy in all Member States. Supply chain disruptions and increased uncertainty have direct or indirect effects that affect many sectors. In addition, rising energy prices affect virtually every economic activity in all Member States. The Commission considers, accordingly, that a wide range of economic sectors in all Member States are affected by a serious economic disturbance. On that basis, the Commission considers that it is appropriate to lay down the criteria for the assessment of State aid measures that Member States may take to remedy that serious disturbance.’

‘(56)

State aid is in particular justified and can be declared compatible with the internal market on the basis of Article 107(3)(b) TFEU, for a limited period, if it serves to remedy the liquidity shortage faced by undertakings that are directly or indirectly affected by the serious disturbance of the economy caused by the Russian military aggression against Ukraine and its direct and indirect effects, including the sanctions imposed and the counter measures taken, for example by Russia. In this context, the Commission takes note that while the economic disturbance affects the economy widely across all Member States, the implementation of certain measures to effectively remedy these effects may require more time specifically in the sectors for primary production of agricultural products, fisheries and aquaculture. In these specific sectors, that are characterised by a particular high share of small undertakings, the adjustment process to effectively overcome the current crisis requires additional time. In addition, and in particular for the primary production of agricultural products and to a certain extent also for aquaculture, the dependency on the annual growths seasons and harvesting cycles are relevant sector-specific features to be considered, including the need to acquire inputs at a time of particularly high prices whilst selling the resulting products at the current depressed prices. This justifies an exceptionally longer implementation period for these sectors.’

‘c.

the aid is granted by 30 June 2024 (*1) with the exception of aid granted to undertakings active in the primary production of agricultural products as well as undertakings active in the fishery and aquaculture sectors, which may be granted until 31 December 2024;