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On 28 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted its interim report setting out its negotiating position on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), calling for a larger EU budget at 1.27% of EU gross national income, about €2.01 trillion, and at least €60 billion annually in new own resources. Parliament opposes incorporating CAP and other funds into single national plans—warning this would risk renationalisation, dilute common policies, and foster competition between Member States. Instead, MEPs demand a separate, clearly earmarked CAP budget, totaling €433.01 billion at current prices. Of this, €320.30 billion is set aside for direct payments, €106.41 billion for rural development, and €6.3 billion for crisis reserves. Parliament also criticises planned post-2027 CAP cuts, highlighting the need to secure farmer incomes and rural stability. Final MFF adoption will require Parliament’s consent.
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On 27 April 2026, EU agriculture ministers in Luxembourg debated the European Commission’s proposal for post-2027 CAP reform, which would replace current entitlements with a degressive, area-based system and introduce compulsory capping of direct payments at €100,000 per farm. Most Member States expressed opposition to both capping and degressivity, supporting a voluntary approach instead and arguing these measures could harm farm competitiveness. Czechia, Slovakia, Romania, and others rejected mandatory capping and the planned phase-out of aid for pension-age farmers, warning of negative effects on rural renewal and generational change. The only country in favour was the Netherlands. Commissioner Christophe Hansen highlighted existing inequalities in payment distribution and signaled willingness to modify the capping proposal, but maintained that reform is needed due to budget constraints. Negotiations will continue in parallel with the new long-term EU budget talks.
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On 21 April 2026, the EU Council formally approved the political agreement for new legal rules governing new genomic techniques (NGTs), following the compromise reached with the European Parliament in December 2025. The framework introduces a two-tier system: NGT-1 plants, considered equivalent to conventional varieties, will only require national checks and will not need consumer labelling except for seeds, while NGT-2 plants remain under strict GMO regulations. The new rules include patent provisions such as an EU database and an expert group, with the European Commission tasked to report on patent impacts within one year. Despite Council approval, some Members of the European Parliament seek tighter patent controls. Agricultural groups urge swift adoption, warning against reopening the compromise. The final parliamentary vote is expected in the coming weeks, and, if passed, the regulation will come into force 20 days after publication, with most provisions effective from mid-2028.
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On 24 April 2026, EU leaders met in Cyprus for the first substantial discussion on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), estimated at €1.8 trillion. Amid ongoing geopolitical and energy crises, leaders debated aligning the EU's ambitions with available funding. Member states remain deeply divided, particularly on the size of the budget and the introduction of new own resources, such as EU taxes, to finance it and repay joint debt. Countries focused on austerity, like Germany and the Netherlands, opposed budget increases. The summit endorsed the European Commission's 16 July 2025 proposal as the main baseline for further negotiations, while also noting the significance of European Parliament input. Talks will continue at the European Council in June 2026, guided by a new negotiating framework from the Cypriot Presidency that includes specific figures.
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Economists at the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) caution that ongoing transport disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, driven by conflicts in the Middle East, could cause food price spikes and shortages worldwide. The crisis relates to restricted movement of oil, gas, and fertilisers, crucial inputs for agriculture. Delays in delivery may significantly lower global crop yields and escalate prices, with supply shortages expected from late 2026 into 2027. FAO experts note that effects could surpass those experienced after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly harming developing countries. Governments are urged to prepare targeted support to cushion market shocks and ensure food system resilience.
More information here.