Funding of 43.1 million euros to support Greek farmers affected by natural disasters is proposed by the European Commission.

In particular, the Commission presented its proposal today for a support measure of 51.7 million euros for the direct support of Greek and Slovenian farmers affected by natural disasters. Coming from the agricultural reserve 2024, 43.1 million euros will be allocated to Greece and 8.6 million euros to Slovenia.

The amounts presented today take into account agricultural damage estimates from Slovenia and Greece, together with the respective weight of these two countries in the EU agricultural sector, based on their shares of direct CAP payments. In addition, the need to maintain sufficient resources in the agricultural reserve to deal with possible crises during the remaining months of 2023 and 2024 was considered.

The national authorities of Greece and Slovenia will distribute aid directly to farmers to compensate for economic losses, while payments are expected to be made by May 31, 2024. Both countries should notify the Commission of the implementation details, including the criteria for calculating the aid, the intended impact of the measure, the evaluation and the measures taken to avoid distortions of competition and overcompensation. The two countries can supplement this EU support by up to 200% with national resources.

The Commission’s plan, including the principles and methodology for granting support, will be discussed in a transparent manner with Member States, who will vote on the implementing regulation at a meeting of the Commission for the Common Organization of Agricultural Markets on 30 November. Once approved it will enter into force quickly so that the national administrations of Greece and Slovenia can implement it without delay.

In June 2023, the European Commission allocated €15.8 million and €1.2 million to Greece and Slovenia, respectively. These funds came from the 2023 agricultural reserve, which aims to support Member States affected by adverse climate events and macroeconomic challenges in the period until 31 January 2024.

Supporting Slovenia and Greece in climate change adaptation and risk prevention is a key priority of the Cohesion Policy programs 2014-2020 and 2021-2027.

For the period 2014-2020, Greece allocated €325 million for investments related to climate change adaptation measures and risks, and in the current programming period, committed an additional €727 million specifically for flood risk prevention and management.

Member States can also apply for funding through the European Union Solidarity Fund based on a damage assessment submitted within 12 weeks of the date of the first damage. Both Slovenia and Greece have submitted their applications for EUTF support, which are currently being assessed by the Commission.