Foot and mouth disease update (Cyprus and Greece)
The number of farms infected with FMD in Cyprus has now reached 54. The total cost of the crisis is estimated at €28 million. Farmers who lost more than 50 animals are eligible for advances of up to €50,000. Compensation for milk destroyed during the outbreak was expected before Easter. The number of infected farms in Greece has now reached 17.
First human case of H9N2 AI detected in Europe
The Ministry of Health in Italy has confirmed the first case of low-pathogenicity avian influenza A(H9N2) in a person in Europe. The detection was in the Lombardy region, and the person contracted the illness in a non-European country. They are currently hospitalised. Currently, no critical issues have been identified, and the situation is being constantly monitored.
New African Swine Fever case in Saxony
Following over 1 year without new cases of ASF in Saxony, an infected wild boar has been found in the Görlitz district, indicating risk of renewed spread. The case was detected less than two months after Saxony officially lifted its last restricted zones related to ASF in wild boar populations in February.
French fuel subsidy support in response to rising costs
The French Government has announced €70 million to subsidise the price of fuel for farmers, logistics companies and fishermen from 1 April until the end of the month. France will suspend all excise taxes on non-road diesel for farmers, which currently costs them €3.86 per hecto-liter, costing around €14 million.
UN task force to keep fertiliser moving in Strait of Hormuz
The UN has launched an interagency task force in attempt to keep fertiliser and key raw materials moving through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming for the equivalent of the Black Sea grain corridor. The initiative aims to create a coordinated mechanism with governments and industry to ensure safe and predictable maritime transit. The initiative has been supported by EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen and High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
Commission calls on EU countries to ensure oil security
The Commission has called on Member States to make preparations to secure oil and refined petroleum products in the EU. In a letter addressed to all EU Energy Ministers, the Commissioner for Energy and Housing urges Member States to make full use of the meetings under the Oil Coordination Group and Energy Union Task Force Security. The Commission also recommends demand saving measures, tracking changes in oil supply, notifying the Commission of any changes and accelerating the uptake of biofuels.
Support for farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary
Member States have endorsed the Commission’s proposal to mobilise €21.5 million from the agricultural reserve to support farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia and Hungary affected by adverse weather events during the 2025 growing season. They will respectively receive €7.4 million, €3.3 million and €10.8 million of exceptional support, which can be complemented by up to 200% of national funds.
Member States agree EU-UK deal on Gibraltar
The Committee of Permanent Representatives has agreed the texts of the agreement between the EU and the UK in respect of Gibraltar. Whilst formal adoption pends legal checks, provisional application is expected from 15 July 2026. The agreement will complete the legal framework of the relations between the EU and the UK established by the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
