Greece Advances Aid for Farmers Hit by July Storms

The Greek government is pushing forward a legislative amendment to provide support to farmers who suffered losses from extreme weather events in July 2026. The proposed law expands the application of a previous measure, initially enacted for September 2023 events, to cover damages to crops and agricultural capital in areas officially recognized as affected by the Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organization (ELGA).

This move aims to offer a lifeline to agricultural producers grappling with the aftermath of severe weather. The state aid will be financed through the regular state budget. The Greek government will submit a costed program for approval by the European Commission before implementation.

The Hellenic Agricultural Insurance Organization (ELGA) will be responsible for carrying out the support measures. Joint decisions by the Ministers of Rural Development and Food, and National Economy and Finance will detail the form of aid, eligibility criteria, calculation methods, terms, conditions, and payment procedures.

Crucially, the financial assistance will be tax-exempt, unseizable, and non-transferable. It will not be subject to any public duties or deductions, nor will it offset debts owed to the state, insurance funds, or financial institutions. The aid will also not be counted towards income limits for social or welfare benefits, ensuring it directly benefits the affected farmers.