European farmers plan Brussels protests over CAP budget cuts

European farmers are planning demonstrations in Brussels, potentially in November or December 2026, to protest proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget for the 2028–2034 period.

The European Commission has proposed a minimum of 300 billion euros to support farmers' incomes. This represents a significant decrease from the 387 billion euros allocated in the current budget period, a difference of approximately 87 billion euros. Farmers express concern that these reductions will weaken their financial stability amidst growing economic, climatic, and geopolitical challenges.

Arnaud Rousseau, chairman of the French National Federation of Agricultural Unions (FNSEA), stated that such demonstrations are inevitable. The FNSEA estimates that the proposed budget would result in a 13% reduction in income support for French farmers.