EU Agricultural Policy Reform Stalls as Key Players Clash Over Funding and Reforms
The future of EU agricultural policy hangs in the balance as key players clash over funding and reforms. EU Agriculture Commissioner Hansen's plans face strong opposition from ministers and the European Parliament, threatening delays until 2029 or 2030.
The EU's agricultural reform, set for 2028-2034, is mired in disagreements. The European Parliament, Council, and Commission hold differing views, with the Parliament seeking more funds for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 and rejecting a 20% cut in direct payments. Many ministers share this stance, rejecting cuts to the EU agricultural budget and the planned National Reserve Pot (NRP) fund.
German state agriculture ministers have joined the fray, rejecting a 20% cut in direct payments, citing food security as an existential issue. Green MEP Martin Häusling warns that the Commission's proposals for the agricultural budget and the CAP could fail. Eastern European countries oppose capping and degression of direct payments above €20,000.
Commissioner Hansen has not clearly explained post-2027 funding for farmers, leaving his reform proposals under intense scrutiny. Trilogue negotiations, set for Q4 2025, aim to bridge these divides, but no compromise has been reached yet. The Danish Presidency of the Council is currently steering these talks, with member states united in their support for a robust CAP with its own budget and the preservation of the two-pillar structure.
The ongoing negotiations on the EU agricultural policy budget, Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), and CAP are complex and contentious. With no clear path forward, the reform could be delayed until 2029 or 2030. The failure of previous EU legislative proposals, such as the EU Regulation on the sustainable use of plant protection products (SUR) in 2023, serves as a reminder of the challenges ahead. All parties involved must work towards a compromise to secure the future of EU agriculture.
