Aid amount
Let us recall that the Commission's proposals adopted by the Member States will provide Austria with EUR 10 million, EUR 15 million for the Czech Republic, EUR 37 million for Poland and EUR 15 million for Portugal. These countries can increase EU support from national funds by up to 200%.
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Aid for fruit growers may be doubled. It is possible that the payment will be made in the fall
This spring, the Czech Republic, as well as parts of Austria and Poland, were hit by severe frosts, which, after exceptionally mild temperatures in March, had a huge impact on orchards and vineyards. In Poland, hail also caused destruction. The damaged areas and the corresponding share of production are significant, threatening the economic viability of the affected farms. National authorities distribute aid directly to producers to compensate them for economic losses.
Too much red wine in Portugal
Austria, the Czech Republic and Poland must inform the EC about the details of the implementation of the measure, in particular the criteria for calculating individual aid, the intended effects of the measure, its assessment and the measures to avoid distortions of competition and overcompensation.
Meanwhile, wine producers in Portugal are struggling with market imbalances that could turn into a long-term and serious crisis. The dramatic increase in wine stocks in Portugal is due to a decline in red wine sales combined with an increase in production last year. In 2023, Portugal was the Member State with the highest production growth compared to the previous year. The support package presented by the EC will promote temporary crisis relief in the country in order to restore balance in the market. Alcohol obtained by distillation can only be used for industrial purposes, such as disinfection and pharmaceuticals, or in the energy industry.
Payments to farmers under the emergency financial assistance to the Czech Republic, Austria and Poland must be made by January 31, 2025, while support for temporary, exceptional crisis distillation for Portugal must be paid by April 30, 2025.
