The Commission releases €21.5 million in emergency support for farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary

The Member States approved the European Commission's proposal to mobilize €21.5 million from the agricultural reserve to support farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia, and Hungary affected by adverse meteorological phenomena in 2025, the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria announced.

Producers from Bulgaria will receive €7.4 million, those from Estonia – €3.3 million, and Hungarian farmers are allocated €10.8 million in the form of emergency support, which can be complemented by up to 200% national funds.

Last year, farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia, and Hungary suffered significant damage and economic losses due to adverse weather events and natural disasters. Bulgaria faced severe drought and heat from mid-June to the end of August, which significantly reduced sunflower and maize production.

National authorities must distribute this aid by September 30, 2026, and do everything necessary so that its final beneficiaries are the farmers. The three countries must notify the Commission of the criteria used to determine individual aid, the planned impact, payment forecasts by month, as well as the level of additional support. The notification should also specify the actions to avoid distorting competition and overcompensation.

Next Steps

Following approval by the Member States, the Commission will adopt its proposal, which will then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and will enter into force on the day after its publication, so that the three affected Member States can apply it immediately.

Context

The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the 2023-2027 period includes an agricultural reserve of €450 million annually to address market disturbances or exceptional events affecting production or distribution. Given the increasing frequency of adverse weather events, the Commission emphasizes the importance of strengthening risk management tools and promoting their wider use across the EU, alongside addressing root causes and improving the resilience of farms.