EUROPE: Prospects remain favourable for cereal production in the EC, but drought has affected crops in several eastern European and CIS countries. Large-scale international assistance continues for vulnerable populations in the Balkans. Crisis also continues in Chechnya, with large numbers of displaced people requiring assistance. Untimely frosts and persistent dry conditions have affected crops in Moldova and southern Ukraine. Persistent cold weather and rains have seriously delayed spring planting in the Russian Federation.