EC allocates 21.5M euro emergency support to farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary
EU member states have endorsed the European Commission’s (EC) proposal to mobilise 21.5 million euro from the agricultural reserve to support farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary affected by adverse weather events during the 2025 growing season, the EC said on March 30.
In Bulgaria, farmers will receive 7.4 million euro, in Estonia 3.3 million euro and in Hungary 10.8 million euro in exceptional support, which can be complemented by up to 200 per cent of national funds, the EC said.
Throughout 2025, farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary witnessed significant damages and suffered economic losses due to adverse climatic events and natural disasters, the Commission said.
Bulgaria faced severe drought and heatwaves from mid-June to late August, which significantly reduced sunflower and maize production.
In Estonia, spring frost followed by a cold, wet and unstable growing season harmed crops such as spring wheat, barley, peas, rapeseed, potatoes and fruit and vegetables.
In Hungary, extreme heat and water shortages between June and August caused major heat stress, affecting crops including sweetcorn, melons, sorghum and maize.
The national authorities must distribute this aid by September 30 2026 and ensure that farmers are the ultimate beneficiaries.
The three EU member states concerned will also have to notify the Commission about the details of the measures’ implementation.
Details to be notified include criteria used to determine the granting of individual aid, the intended impact of the measure, the forecasts for payments broken down per month, and the level of additional support to be provided. The notification should also include the actions taken to avoid distortion of competition and overcompensation.
Following the March 30 approval by member states, the Commission will adopt its proposal. It will then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force the day following its publication so that the three concerned member states can implement it without delay, the EC said.
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