The European Commission announced today that it will allocate €98.6 million from the agricultural reserve to provide emergency support to farmers in Spain, Croatia, Cyprus, Latvia, and Hungary who have been adversely affected by exceptional climatic events and natural disasters since spring 2024.
This funding distribution includes €68 million for Spain, €16.2 million for Hungary, €6.7 million for Croatia, €4.2 million for Latvia, and €3.5 million for Cyprus. The support aims to assist farmers facing significant production and income losses due to these adverse conditions.
European Union officials emphasized the funds reflect the EU’s commitment to solidarity with the affected agricultural sectors and can be enhanced by an additional 200% in national funds. National authorities must ensure distribution of the aid by September 30, 2025, and are required to report to the Commission by May 31, 2025, detailing implementation measures and criteria for aid distribution.
This decision follows a series of devastating climate-related events affecting the agricultural output across these regions. Spain has experienced a severe rain deficit coupled with extreme summer heat, while heavy autumn storms wrought havoc in Galicia. Cyprus faced low rainfall and high temperatures impacting crops like cereals and fruits. Latvia dealt with record low temperatures in winter and spring frosts, while Croatia and Hungary suffered from drought and extreme heat during the summer months.
The measures highlight the EU’s proactive approach in providing support and managing crises in the agricultural sector, while emphasizing the need for improved risk management tools to prepare for future events.
( Source : CNA )
