The European Commission said on Monday it is providing emergency aid to farmers in Bulgaria, Hungary and Estonia due to losses caused by adverse weather conditions and natural disasters in 2025.
Bulgaria will receive EUR 7.4 million, Estonia EUR 3.3 million, and Hungary EUR 10.8 million. The Commission said that the aid may be topped up by up to 200% from the national budgets of the three countries. According to the EC statement, farmers in the three countries suffered significant damage and economic losses in 2025.
Bulgaria faced severe drought and heatwaves from mid-June to the end of August, which significantly reduced sunflower and maize production. In Estonia, spring frost, followed by a cold, wet, and unstable growing season, damaged spring crops, while in Hungary, cold weather and insufficient rainfall between June and August affected maize and melon yields.
According to the statement, national authorities must distribute the European aid by September 30 so that farmers can receive it as the final beneficiaries. The three affected countries must provide the European Commission with details on how the measures will be implemented, including the eligibility requirements for granting aid, the expected impact of the measures, monthly payment forecasts, and the level of additional support.