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On 24 September 2025, Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen defended the European Commission’s new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and proposed changes to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) before the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee (COMAGRI). Hansen said the goal is to simplify rules and benefit farmers, but acknowledged lengthy negotiations ahead. Most MEPs expressed strong opposition, criticising potential budget cuts, the single fund structure, links to the Green Deal, and transfer of decision-making from the Committee. Concerns included reduced food security and unfair competition. The MFF requires a majority in Parliament to pass. Many stressed the current CAP system is more effective and called on the Council to reject the new proposals.
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On 22 September 2025 meeting in Brussels, EU Agriculture Ministers sharply criticised the European Commission’s proposals for the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget. The Commission outlined a new three-pillar strategy guaranteeing at least €300 billion for farmers until 2034. However, most ministers found this funding inadequate, urging the CAP to remain a standalone policy with a separate budget and two pillars. There were also strong concerns over the Ukraine trade agreement, with several countries opposing expanded import quotas and demanding compensation for EU farmers. Member States left the meeting divided on key issues, signalling tough negotiations ahead.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) will convene in Brussels on 22-23 September 2025 to discuss EU agricultural and fisheries policy reforms. The agenda includes a policy debate on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027, covering major legislative proposals such as CAP aid rules, market organisation, and school promotion programmes. Trade issues include an agricultural trade report showing a €21.9 billion surplus but higher import prices for key goods. Ministers will discuss trade talks with Mercosur, Mexico, and several Asian countries, and review new fisheries regulations and marine policy strategies. Topics like African swine fever, plant protection product availability, and water resilience will also be addressed. Sweden, backed by several Member States, proposes designating cormorants as a game species due to their environmental impact.
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On 17 September 2025, the European Commission outlined minimum national direct aid allocations under the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2028–2034. €300 billion will support farmer income through a merged Pillar I and II, including €6.3 billion as a Unity Safety Net for market crises. The Czech Republic will receive €6.15 billion, and Slovakia €3.73 billion, based on 2027 shares and payment convergence. Member States can use Partnership Plans worth €453 billion for further direct support, rural development, innovation, and farm investments, supplementing core allocations. All interventions must use Commission- and Council-approved instruments, ensuring consistency across the EU. The framework includes degressive area payments, support for small farmers, coupled and agri-environmental payments, with heavier national co-financing for most measures. The CAP will form part of an €865 billion integrated envelope after 2027. Some countries are set for relative gains, while others may see reductions.
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On 10 September 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen delivered her State of the Union address, outlining EU priorities for security, economy, foreign policy, and trade. Key announcements included a new sanctions package against Russia, broader EU defence tools, and partial suspension of aid to Israel. Economic plans focused on a digital euro and measures boosting jobs and open markets. For the agri-food sector, von der Leyen highlighted plans for a “Buy European Food” campaign to strengthen food security, maintain CAP income support, simplify CAP rules, and enforce fair trading. Reactions from the Parliament and NGOs were critical, calling for stronger climate action and policy reforms. Details on the campaign remain pending.
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