The European Commission on Wednesday relaxed state aid rules for renewable energy and decarbonization schemes aimed at reducing the European Union's dependence on Russian energy.

The European Commission said EU governments will also be allowed to provide up to 500,000 euros in state aid to European companies affected by Western sanctions against Russia, up from 400,000 euros previously.

Companies in the agricultural sector can also apply for state aid of up to 62,000 euros, and fisheries companies up to 75,000 euros, up from the previous limit of 35,000 euros.

The Commission said that renewable energy projects can include renewable hydrogen, biogas and biomethane, storage and renewable heat.  It is noted that simpler state aid rules will allow EU countries to create new tender schemes for decarbonization projects or directly support projects without tenders.