The European Union’s forthcoming multiannual budget will allocate €300 billion to farmers, a decrease from the current Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)’s €387 billion for the 2021-2027 period.
This was proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday.
The agricultural union FUGEA expressed disappointment, stating these proposals disregarded farmers’ demands voiced during the 2024 protests and reneged on promises made in the Strategic Dialogue.
They argue that the proposal fails to address challenges within the agricultural sector and lacks investment and vision for Europe’s agricultural and food systems. FUGEA is prepared to vigorously oppose the proposal.
FUGEA considers the budget cut unacceptable, particularly harsh in light of inflation, questioning how young farmers will be supported and sustainable practices encouraged if public support is reduced.
The union criticises the proposal’s intentions regarding the distribution of aid post-2027, warning that this could signal the end of a unified European approach, potentially lowering environmental and social ambitions.
FUGEA further criticised the absence of concrete measures to regulate markets and ensure fair and stable prices for farmers and urged significant corrections during the subsequent discussions in the European Parliament and the EU Council.
