Bulgarian agriculture minister Nihat Kabil announced state support to tobacco manufacturers to be extended for three more years, reports Darik news.

This conforms to the grace period given by the EU to a country offering state subsidies to any sector on condition it has been done before, too, and if the subsidised product has no detrimental effect on the EU’s shared market. Also, the government’s aid shall not surpass the previously granted volume. Until now, Bulgaria’s tobacco industry has been receiving around BGN 125 million (Euro 63 million) of state support every year. (vt)