Brussels, 02/07/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 2 July, the European Commission approved aid of €600 million from German government to compensate farmers for the losses they suffered in the recent floods. The aid, notified on 10 June last and covering the 2013-2014 period, can therefore be paid without the government having to request prior authorisation. This aid involves an ex ante framework system that will cover up to 100% of lost income or damages suffered to agricultural plant, machinery and equipment, stock, crops and animals caused by natural disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, avalanches or landslides. This kind of system seeks to create a flexible instrument for providing a rapid response to natural disasters. Therefore, following the current application of this regime, Germany will be able to use a similar system in similar circumstances in the future, without having to wait for approval from the Commission, as long as it provides the latter with details afterwards. (FG/transl.fl)