Today, Member States approved the Commissions proposal to allocate €98.6 million from the agricultural reserve to directly support farmers in Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, and Hungary affected by severe weather and natural disasters since spring 2024.
The Commission will allocate €68 million to Spain, €16.2 million to Hungary, €6.7 million to Croatia, €4.2 million to Latvia, and €3.5 million to Cyprus in exceptional support.
This initiative aims to assist farmers who have faced production and income losses. The allocated funds reflect the EUs solidarity and can be supplemented by national funds up to 200%.
National authorities must distribute this aid by 30 September 2025, ensuring farmers are the ultimate beneficiaries. The five Member States must notify the Commission by 31 May 2025 about the implementation details, including criteria for granting aid, intended impact, monthly payment forecasts, and additional support levels. Notifications should also outline measures to prevent competition distortion and overcompensation.
Next Steps
Following todays approval, the Commission will adopt its proposal, which will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and take effect the day after publication, allowing the five Member States to implement it promptly.
Background
Farmers in Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, and Hungary have suffered significant damages and economic losses due to severe weather and natural disasters.
Spain faced drought and extreme heat in summer 2024, followed by heavy storms in late 2024, causing devastating floods in Valencia. The fruit and vegetable, wine, olive, and livestock sectors were heavily impacted.
Cyprus experienced low rainfall and high temperatures in early 2024, affecting cereals, olive, and fruit and vegetable production.
Latvia encountered record-low winter temperatures, spring frost, and heavy summer rain, impacting cereals, rapeseed, fruit, vegetables, and potatoes.
Croatia and Hungary suffered from high temperatures and drought in summer 2024, affecting maize, sunflower, soya, sugar beet, fruit, potatoes, and wine production.
The common agricultural policy (CAP) 2023-2027 provides an agricultural reserve of €450 million per year to address market disruptions or exceptional events affecting production or distribution. The Commission stresses the importance of strengthening risk management tools and adopting proactive measures to enhance farm resilience.
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