EU eases rules on support for farmers, calls for contract reform

BRUSSELS, Dec 10 (KUNA) -- The EU said on Tuesday that it is easing rules related to granting small public aid to farmers, doubling the maximum support that member states can provide to farmers without informing the EU.
According to EU documents, the 27 member states will be able to provide up to EURO 50,000 over three years to each agricultural farm without the need for official notification or prior approval from the EU.
However, they will be required to notify the European Commission of any support exceeding EURO 50,000, and the Commission will have the authority to reject it if necessary.
This decision comes in response to demands from the agricultural sector and some European countries to address inflation.
The European Commission explained that such small amounts of aid do not distort competition or trade within the single market.
This decision follows protests from farmers in early 2024, but the agreement still needs to be ratified through approval by at least 15 member states representing 65 percent of the EU's population and gaining a majority vote in the European Parliament. (end) arn.mb