EU approves state aid to compensate farmers in Cyprus

01/10/2008

BRUSSELS, Belgium -- The EU on Tuesday (September 30th) green-lighted the Cypriot government's plan to compensate local farmers for losses caused by devastating droughts this year and last. EU ministers of agriculture and fisheries reached an agreement on a draft decision that describes the planned state aid as compatible with EU regulations. Earlier in September, Cyprus notified the EU of its plans to grant 34,000 farmers and 3,000 animal breeders state aid worth 67.5m euros. On Monday, Cypriot farmers launched protests, demanding 145m euros in aid. (Philelefteros, CNA, In.news - 30/09/08)