EU Approves €7.4 Million Emergency Aid for Bulgarian Farmers Hit by Drought

EU member states have approved a European Commission proposal to release €21.5 million from the agricultural reserve to support farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary who were affected by adverse weather conditions in 2025. The decision concerns emergency assistance aimed at compensating losses caused by climate-related disruptions across the three countries.

Under the allocation, Bulgarian farmers are set to receive €7.4 million, Estonia €3.3 million, and Hungary €10.8 million. The European Commission said the funds can be supplemented by national contributions of up to 200% of the EU support, depending on the decisions of the individual member states.

The aid package comes after significant agricultural damage was recorded in the region last year. In Bulgaria, prolonged drought and heatwaves from mid-June through the end of August led to reduced yields, particularly affecting sunflower and maize production, with wider economic losses reported across the sector.

National authorities are required to distribute the support no later than 30 September 2026, ensuring that it reaches eligible farmers directly. Each country must also report to the Commission on the criteria used to determine beneficiaries, expected impact, payment schedules and any additional national support planned.

The reporting obligations include safeguards designed to prevent market distortions and avoid overcompensation. Governments must also outline measures ensuring fair distribution and transparency in the use of the funds.

Following approval by EU member states, the Commission is expected to formally adopt the measure, after which it will enter into force upon publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. This will allow Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary to begin implementing the support scheme immediately.

The measure is part of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2023–2027 framework, which includes an annual €450 million reserve intended to respond to market disruptions and extraordinary events affecting agricultural production and supply chains across the EU.