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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) discussed the European Commission’s post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) proposals on 17 November 2025. Ministers focused on food security, targeted income support, crisis preparedness and maintaining market orientation. There was broad support for greater national flexibility in deciding how aid is distributed to sustain production. While most ministers backed direct payments for full-time farmers, some requested the inclusion of part-time farmers. The Commission’s proposal to reduce payments above €100,000 met opposition due to perceived risks for sector stability. France stressed the CAP’s primary agricultural purpose, and several Member States criticized insufficient attention to strategic sectoral needs and rural funding. The Commission indicated willingness to adjust some proposals. CAP reform talks will continue at the next Council in December and at the EU leaders’ summit.

The European Parliament announced it will no longer block the draft Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034 after concessions from the European Commission, including a new rural funding target, enhanced oversight by Parliament, and better scrutiny of regional fund allocation. Originally, the July 2025 proposal to merge CAP and cohesion funds into one national plan met strong resistance from farmers and many MEPs. While the largest group (EPP) welcomed the new changes, others, including the Socialist Group and Copa-Cogeca, condemned them as insufficient, expressing concern over renationalisation and weakened control. The Commission now awaits confirmation from Member States. The topic will be discussed at the European Council summit on 18–19 December 2025, where MFF negotiations continue.
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The Council of the European Union and the European Parliament have reached a preliminary agreement to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), aiming to reduce administrative burdens and increase flexibility for Member States from 2026. The package, expected to save up to €1.6 billion for farmers and €200 million for administrations annually, limits checks to one per ID/year, simplifies rules for organic farms, reduces checks for farms up to 30 hectares, and increases lump sum payments for small farmers. Member States can offer crisis support to active farmers affected by natural disasters. Key regulatory amendments end annual performance approval, expand use of risk management, and boost advance payments. Some environmental standards remain, with new flexibilities for wetlands and grasslands. The final text requires formal approval to enter into force on 1 January 2026.
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The Danish Presidency will begin discussions on the European Commission's proposals to reform direct payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027 at the Special Committee on Agriculture on 10 November 2025. The proposals seek to concentrate income support on farmers whose main activity is agriculture, bolstering EU food security. Key changes include degressivity, a cap on total flat-rate support per farm, and a flat-rate payment for small farms up to €3,000. From 2032, retirement-age farmers are to be excluded from flat-rate support, aligning with a strategy to reserve at least 6% of CAP funds for young farmers. Larger farms retain a role, but criteria for support will be tightened. The reform also introduces requirements for Member States to develop national food security and crisis reserves, coordinated with the Commission, ensuring these do not disrupt the single market. The Presidency will ask how these proposals affect food security and if reserves will help mitigate risks while maintaining a market-oriented policy.

On 9 November 2025, the European Commission released a revised proposal for the EU Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, responding to European Parliament concerns about merging agricultural and cohesion funding into National and Regional Partnership Plans. The amendments safeguard the Common Agricultural Policy’s (CAP) core status and reinforce regional involvement in fund allocation. New features include an annual budget prioritisation, a 'rural target' (minimum 10% of Partnership Plan funds for rural needs), and greater transparency, like publishing all monitoring committee votes. Only 'active farmers'—those engaged in agriculture and supporting food security—are eligible, with clarity for small farmers. Regional authorities will now help draft and oversee the plans. Funding changes must be justified if allocations drop by more than 25%. These proposals will be discussed by senior EU officials and the Danish Presidency, with Parliament reviewing them soon.
More information is available here.