site.btaEC Proposes Distribution of EUR 100 Mln Support for Farmers in Frontline States Hit by Ukrainian Grain Imports, Allocates EUR 9.77 Mln to Bulgaria

The European Commission has proposed to allocate EUR 100 million in support of the farmers in the five member states affected by imports of Ukrainian agricultural products. A total of EUR 9.77 million of these are to be allocated to Bulgaria.

Hungary is to be allocated EUR 15.93 million, Poland – EUR 39.33 million, Romania – EUR 29.73 million, and Slovakia – EUR 5.24 million. The five countries can complement this EU support up to 200% with national funds which would amount to a total financial aid of EUR 300 million for affected farmers, the EC said.

In parallel, the countries have committed to lift their unilateral measures. Bulgaria lifted its restrictions earlier on Wednesday, after the Commission released its proposal late Tuesday evening.

The details of the Commission’s proposal were discussed with Member States’ representatives during an ad hoc committee meeting for the common organisation of agricultural markets. All Member States will vote on the proposal at the next committee meeting.  If the measure is approved by Member States, the Commission will adopt it. It would then be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enter into force the day following its publication so that the five concerned Member States can implement it without delay.

In the beginning of the year, the Commission extended Bulgarian farmers over  EUR 16 million in compensations. The Commission specified it is ready to request an increase of the agricultural reserve budget if necessary.