Fishing companies can also access subsidies in loosening of state aid rules to cover fuel and fertiliser price rises

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The EU is to subsidise up to 70% of the extra cost of fuel and fertilisers caused by the Iran war for farmers, fishing businesses and road hauliers as part of a package of emergency measures unveiled on Wednesday.

Individual companies can claim up to €50,000 each between now and the end of the year with minimum paperwork, a measure the EU hopes will remove what it sees as an existential threat to hauliers and farmers.

Energy-intensive industries will be able to claim up to 70% of the extra electricity cost of eligible consumption.