Bulgaria asks EC to change the conditions for disbursement of funds under the "Ukrainian aid"

Bulgaria continues to insist to the European Commission for a change in the conditions for disbursement of funds under the Ukrainian aid. This was stated by the caretaker Minister of Agriculture and Foods, Georgi Tahov, during a meeting with representatives of the Association of Farmers in Bulgaria, the National Union of Cattle Breeders in Bulgaria, the United Bulgarian Breeders, the Association of Buffalo Breeders in Bulgaria, the National Association of Greenhouse Growers and the Association of Fruit Growers in Bulgaria.

Minister Tahov explained that due to some farmers reaching the regulated support limits, a significant number of livestock, areas with perennial and vegetable crops, as well as greenhouse production are excluded from support to cover the increase in the cost of agricultural production.

He said Bulgaria's first option proposed to the EC was to abolish the individual limit per enterprise in primary agricultural production.

The other option is to double the so-called ceiling for the allocation of this aid from EUR 280 000 to EUR 560 000 per enterprise active in primary agricultural production.

"The third hypothesis is to pay the aid year by year," said Minister Tahov.

He recalled that all three options had been discussed at Bulgaria's proposal in the EU's Agriculture and Fisheries Council. The proposals have also met support from other European member states and the issue will continue to be discussed both at national and EC level.

"It is very important to find the balance. We are looking for an option to protect the interest of farmers without triggering a punitive procedure," Minister Tahov summarised.