News

At the 27 October 2025 Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting, Austria and sixteen other Member States jointly called for the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to be governed by a single legal framework and to retain its traditional two-pillar structure. The group opposes the European Commission’s plan to split CAP rules into five separate laws, arguing this would make coordination more complex and weaken the role of national agriculture ministers. They emphasise the need for a stable and sufficient CAP budget, warning that any fragmentation would reduce predictability for farmers and complicate the achievement of sustainability goals. The initiative won broad support from ministers, with the Commission confirming it is taking the concerns seriously.
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The European Parliament has sent a strong message to the European Commission, demanding significant amendments to the draft Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) by 12 November 2025. Four main political groups warn that, without seven key changes—including a standalone Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) with an independent budget and legal framework, greater oversight of spending, and more local and regional involvement—they will reject the reforms. Parliament criticises the ‘reforms-for-payments’ approach for risking democratic deficits and policy fragmentation. The position is supported by many farm groups and Member States, who want to retain the two-pillar CAP and securing dedicated funds for environmental goals. The Commission is expected to respond this autumn.
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The European Commission has introduced a strategy aiming to double the share of young and new farmers in the EU to 24% by 2040, recommending that Member States allocate at least 6% of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) spending to this goal. The non-binding strategy urges Member States to create generational renewal strategies by 2028 along with progress reports. Main measures include better access to land, finance, training, targeted direct payments, and rural services. For the next CAP period, the Commission proposes a mandatory "Starter Pack" for new farmers, offering up to €300,000 in start-up support plus investment aid and credit guarantees. The plan also encourages integration of these tools into existing EU frameworks and highlights the aging farming population, with only 12% under 40. Cooperation with the European Investment Bank will facilitate access to finance.
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EU Member States are advancing negotiations on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), using the Commission’s proposed structure, while the European Parliament remains split over certain aspects. The draft suggests merging agricultural and regional funds into comprehensive national plans, introduces four new budget headings, and includes a €234 billion industrial fund. Key debates on national plans are scheduled for 17 November 2025. Unresolved topics include eligibility and rules for the Competitiveness Fund and Horizon Europe, highlighting divides between more and less developed countries. The Danish presidency aims to finalize the negotiation framework before the December European Council and reach an agreement by the end of 2026. Danish minister Marie Bjerre supports the fund merger for improved efficiency, but countries such as Poland have reservations, with Irish representatives calling for a robust agricultural policy and safeguarding the Parliament’s powers.
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The European Commission is finalising its 2026 work programme, covering initiatives on procurement, animal welfare, biotechnology, and trade. Key legislative timelines include a new tax package, revised procurement rules, and updated market surveillance in Q2 2026. By end-2026, DG SANTE aims to modernise EU animal welfare laws, with a consultation until December 2025. The Biotech Act—affecting research and novel foods—and further regulation reviews are set for later in 2026. Other major themes include climate and renewable energy legislation, the Circular Economy Act, and CAP strategic reviews such as farmer empowerment, livestock strategy, and simplification. The programme highlights commitments to efficiency, balanced budgets, and market strengthening.
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