Key Takeaways
- EU Member States have endorsed a European Commission proposal to release over €56 million from the agricultural reserve to support farmers in Portugal, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia.
- Portugal receives the largest allocation at €30 million, following damage from Storm Kristin in early 2026; Romania receives €14.8 million for drought and heatwave losses in 2025.
- Eligible sectors include arable crops, fruit, vines, olives, nuts, and livestock, with country-specific crop lists covering everything from Slovenian apples to Cypriot citrus and apiculture.
- National authorities may complement the EU funds with up to 200% in additional national co-financing, and must distribute all aid by 28 February 2027.
- The EU Commission will formally adopt the proposal following today's Member State endorsement, with publication in the Official Journal of the EU to follow.
Over €56 Million Released for Climate-Hit Farmers In The EU
EU Member States have endorsed a European Commission proposal to mobilise more than €56 million from the agricultural reserve to support farmers across five countries affected by severe climatic events and natural disasters throughout 2025 and the first half of 2026. The funds are directed at farmers growing fruit, nuts, vines, olives, and arable crops, including mixed livestock producers.
The allocations by country are as follows: Portugal €30 million, Romania €14.8 million, Cyprus €4.6 million, Croatia €4.4 million, and Slovenia €2.8 million. Each country's allocation can be supplemented by up to 200% in national co-financing, potentially more than tripling the effective support available to affected producers.
What Triggered the Payments
Each of the five countries experienced distinct climate events that caused significant agricultural losses. In Portugal, Storm Kristin struck in January and February 2026, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding that damaged agricultural land and infrastructure across multiple production sectors. In Romania, severe drought and repeated heatwaves between June and August 2025 reduced maize and sunflower yields substantially.
Cyprus faced prolonged drought and extreme heat from May 2025, resulting in major crop losses and elevated livestock feed costs. Croatia experienced an unusual combination of spring and summer weather extremes in 2025, including freezing temperatures alongside excessive rainfall and drought, damaging fruits, vines, and sugar beet. Slovenia suffered spring frosts that caused significant damage to apple production.
Eligible Crops and Sectors by Country Across The EU
The Commission has defined specific eligible sectors for each country. In Portugal, support covers arable crops, olive oil and table olives, fruit and vegetables, wine, and livestock. In Croatia, eligible crops include plums, hazelnuts, vineyards, alfalfa, and sugar beet. Cyprus has the broadest list, encompassing citrus fruits, bananas, figs, pomegranates, prickly pears, vineyards, olive oil and table olives, cereals, fodder crops, apiculture, and livestock including bovines, sheep, and goats. Romania's support is targeted specifically at sunflower and maize producers, while Slovenia's allocation is directed at apple growers.
Next Steps and Implementation
Following EU Member State approval, the Commission will formally adopt its proposal. It will then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force the following day. National authorities in each country must notify the Commission of their implementation details without delay — including the criteria for determining individual aid, forecasts for monthly payments, the level of additional national support being provided, and measures taken to avoid competition distortion or overcompensation. All aid must reach farmers by 28 February 2027 at the latest.
