«The only country that has actually implemented targeted support measures is Greece», stressed top analyst of the rating house Fitch on Thursday (07.05.2026) in analysis of measures taken by European governments to protect households and businesses from increased energy prices.
The same Fitch rating house analyst points out that since the start of the war in Iran, European governments have so far allocated much smaller funds to support measures than in 2022, when the Russian invasion of Ukraine began.
They have, however, focused on horizontal measures, e.g. reductions in fuel taxes, although economists warn that they should focus on targeted measures – such as those to support vulnerable households – since fiscal margins are narrow.
THE Federico Bariga-Salar, Head of Fitch's evaluations in western Europe, said at an online seminar that support measures at the present stage are «very small», ranging from 0.3% of GDP in Spain to less than 0.01% of GDP in France and Britain.
He explained that if concerns about energy market prospects are verified, some countries may be obliged to proceed with further support measures, «Something that could have a significant impact in the medium term on public finances».
