On 23 April, the member states endorsed the European Commission’s proposal to mobilize €2.1 million of exceptional support to Slovakia’s milk and pigmeat sectors. The sectors were severely impacted by foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in March and April last year. The measure aims to mitigate income losses by farmers who suffered from movement restrictions and prolonged rearing periods imposed to contain the disease.
The support will compensate farmers for undelivered raw milk, extended fattening periods for pigs, and for prolonged or delayed rearing of piglets and sows.
Slovakia swiftly contained the outbreaks thanks to the implementation of emergency measures, as set by EU animal health rules, including movement bans and surveillance zones. The Commission’s intervention ensures farmers will receive rapid relief, as payments to beneficiaries are required to be paid by 30 September 2026. This measure underscores the EU’s commitment to support farmers facing crises beyond their control.
