This Regulation amends existing rules to provide emergency financial assistance through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) to farmers, forest holders and rural businesses affected by natural disasters occurring from January 2024. The act introduces a new temporary support measure with simplified procedures and increased flexibility in fund allocation to help affected regions quickly recover from disasters.The Regulation modifies the existing Regulation 2020/2220 by adding several new articles that establish the framework for emergency assistance. The key changes include allowing Member States to decrease environmental spending thresholds by up to 15%, introducing a new temporary support measure with 100% EU funding, and simplifying administrative procedures for disaster-affected areas.The main provisions include:
– Support eligibility for farmers, forest holders and SMEs who lost at least 30% of production potential due to natural disasters
– Maximum support of €42,000 per beneficiary to be paid by end of 2025
– Simplified lump sum payments with possibility to differentiate amounts based on objective criteria
– Up to 100% EU co-financing rate with maximum 10% of total EAFRD program contribution
– Ability to support operations completed before funding application if responding to disasters from 2024
– Flexibility for Member States to recognize entire affected areas under force majeure provisions
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