Serbia drought prompts calls for agricultural subsidy changes

Extreme drought conditions in Serbia have prompted calls for government intervention and changes to agricultural support mechanisms. Marijan Rističević, President of the Committee for Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management, announced plans to convene a session to discuss the consequences of the drought. Rističević intends to request that the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management suspend the requirement for farmers to justify subsidies through invoices.

In related developments, livestock associations have expressed dissatisfaction with the Ministry's stance on providing aid. Officials have indicated that any potential assistance can only be considered after municipal secretariats complete formal damage assessments, including reductions in hay yields. Some representatives have criticized the lack of immediate relief measures, noting that the Ministry claimed EU regulations might prevent direct aid, though they could not provide written documentation for this assertion.