Croatia reports 37 million euros in natural disaster damages this year

Croatia has reported approximately 37 million euros in damages from natural disasters between the start of the year and August 19, according to preliminary estimates. This figure contrasts sharply with the 358 million euros in damages reported for agricultural crops throughout the previous year, with drought accounting for about 320 million euros of that total.

These figures were shared by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, David Vlajčić, during a bilateral meeting with Slovenian Minister of Agriculture Janez Cigler Kralj. The meeting, held within the framework of the 64th International Agricultural Fair AGRA in Gornja Radgona, Slovenia, focused on the future of the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027.

Both ministers exchanged views on the increasing frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, and their impact on agricultural production, water and fodder availability, farmer incomes, and food supply security. Discussions also covered the application of digital technologies, artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, sensors, and early warning systems in agriculture.

Minister Vlajčić emphasized the need to shift from a damage assessment and compensation model to a system that invests more heavily in prevention, adaptation, and production resilience, stating, "Climate change is no longer a question of the future." He presented a Croatian proposal for a joint initiative to the European Commission aimed at strengthening the European risk and crisis management system in agriculture. This includes advocating for increased funds for crisis situations, simpler and faster activation of EU aid, greater flexibility for member states in implementing crisis measures, and stronger funding for preventive investments and climate change adaptation.

The ministers also explored opportunities for enhanced regional and cross-border cooperation in monitoring drought and water availability, forecasting yields, early detection of diseases and pests, and tracking fodder availability. Croatia and Slovenia have a history of successful cooperation and recently submitted a joint proposal to the European Commission regarding the future legislative framework for the CAP for the 2028-2034 period.

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Climate change is no longer a question of the future.