Brussels, 20/05/2016 (Agence Europe) - At the Agriculture Council in Brussels on Tuesday 17 May, the Austrian, Croatian, Czech, Hungarian, Slovak and Slovenian ministers asked the Commission to allow them to grant state aid to their cereal, fruit and vegetable, and wine producers.
The production of farmers in these countries has suffered as a result of late frost and snow between 20 and 30 April. The seven countries argue that this is a case of force majeure. “We will be as constructive as possible to help these member states deal with these unforeseen circumstances”, said European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan at a press conference after the Council meeting on Tuesday 17 May. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)