European Parliament resists proposed cuts to EU agricultural budget

Members of the European Parliament are resisting a proposal to significantly reduce the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget for the 2028-2034 period. The European Commission has proposed an allocation of €300 billion, a decrease from the current €386.6 billion. Farming organizations suggest this represents a real-term reduction of over 20% when accounting for inflation.

Negotiations in Strasbourg were recently suspended after a majority of MEPs opposed plans to fold CAP funding into broader national and regional partnership frameworks, arguing that ring-fenced agricultural funding is vital for food security and rural communities. EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen noted that while a €500 billion budget is unlikely, a figure closer to €400 billion would be a significant victory.

In a related Eurobarometer survey, 71% of EU citizens expressed support for the Common Agricultural Policy. The survey also indicated that many citizens view extreme weather as the primary risk to agriculture.