European Union member states have approved a European Commission proposal to mobilize over €56 million in emergency agricultural aid for farmers affected by severe weather and natural disasters.
Under the package, Portugal will receive €30 million, Romania €14.8 million, Cyprus €4.6 million, Croatia €4.4 million, and Slovenia €2.8 million.
The funding is intended to support farmers who have suffered significant crop losses and economic damage caused by extreme weather events.
It will be available to producers of arable crops, fruit, nuts, vineyards and olives, as well as livestock farmers operating mixed farms. EU member states will also be allowed to top up the assistance with national funding worth up to 200% of the EU contribution.
The European Commission said farmers in the five countries endured severe weather-related losses throughout 2025 and the first half of 2026.
In Portugal, Storm Kristin struck in January and February 2026, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and flooding that damaged farmland, infrastructure and agricultural production.
Romania was hit by severe drought and repeated heatwaves between June and August 2025, which significantly reduced maize and sunflower yields.
Cyprus experienced prolonged drought and extreme heat in May, leading to major agricultural losses and higher livestock feed costs. In Croatia, unusually low spring temperatures followed by heavy rainfall and drought during the summer damaged fruit, nut, sugar beet and grape harvests.
Spring frosts in Slovenia sharply reduced apple production.
The aid will be targeted at sectors most affected in each country.
In Portugal, eligible sectors include arable crops, olives and table olives, fruit and vegetables, vineyards and livestock. Croatia’s support will cover plums, hazelnuts, vineyards and sugar beet, while Cyprus’ package will benefit citrus fruits, bananas, figs, pomegranates, vineyards, olives and table olives, cereals, forage crops, beekeeping, and cattle, sheep and goat farming.
In Romania, the assistance will focus on maize and sunflower producers, while in Slovenia it will support apple growers.
National authorities must ensure the funding reaches farmers as quickly as possible, with all payments required to be made by 28 February 2027.
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