Cyprus will receive €4.6 million in European Union aid to support farmers hit by prolonged drought and extreme heat, the European Commission said on Monday.
The funding is part of a €56 million package from the EU’s agricultural reserve, approved by member states, aimed at compensating farmers for losses caused by adverse weather and natural disasters.
Cyprus has faced sustained drought and high temperatures since May 2025, leading to significant crop losses and higher animal feed costs, according to the Commission.
The aid will be directed to producers of fruit, nuts, vineyards, olives and arable crops, as well as mixed livestock farmers. Eligible sectors include citrus, bananas, figs, pomegranates, prickly pears, cereals, fodder crops, beekeeping and livestock farming such as cattle, sheep and goats.
National authorities may top up the EU contribution by up to 200%, the Commission said. Payments must be distributed by 28 February 2027.
The funding comes as farmers in several EU countries report mounting losses from extreme weather. Portugal will receive €30 million following storm damage earlier in 2026, Romania €14.8 million for drought-related losses, Croatia €4.4 million and Slovenia €2.8 million.
EU governments must inform the Commission of how the funds will be distributed, including criteria for payments, expected impact and measures to avoid market distortions or overcompensation.
The Commission is expected to formally adopt the measure, which will enter into force once published in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Source: European Commission, CNA
