The impact of late spring frosts in 2025 on the fruit growing sector in Southeastern Europe: a comparative study between the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, and Poland

Abstract

In the context of global climate change, the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events have increased, significantly affecting agricultural sectors in temperate regions. Late spring frosts represent one of the most damaging phenomena for perennial crops and fruit growing, as they coincide with critical phenological phases such as budding, flowering, and fruit set. The spring of 2025 was marked by severe frost episodes in April across Southeastern and Central Eastern Europe, with the Republic of Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, and Poland being particularly affected. Minimum temperatures dropped below the critical thresholds for both pome (apple, pear) and stone fruit species (apricot, peach, cherry, plum), leading to substantial production losses and severe economic impacts on farmers. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the effects of the late frosts of April 2025 on the fruit-growing sector in the four countries, aiming to identify the extent of the phenomenon, regional differences in the intensity and distribution of damages, as well as institutional responses and adaptive strategies implemented. The analysis is based on official statistical data, climatic reports, production loss estimates, and relevant scientific literature. The results highlight the vulnerabilities of Eastern European fruit-growing systems to climatic risks and provide a foundation for developing sustainable measures to mitigate their impact.