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On 15 April 2026, the European Parliament’s Committee on Budgets established its official approach to the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, advocating for a robust CAP budget that exceeds the Commission’s proposal by over €139 billion. The position prioritises €320.2 billion for direct payments, €106.4 billion for rural development, and a crisis reserve, while rejecting the idea of integrating CAP funding into single National Plans to counter risks of renationalisation and market distortion. The text maintains a distinct, two-pillar CAP structure, tying funding to food security, competitiveness, and fair living standards. The stance will serve as the Parliament’s negotiating mandate, with Member States set to discuss these budgetary priorities at upcoming Council meetings.
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On 12 April 2026, European Parliament negotiators announced progress toward the institution’s position on the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Parliament intends to propose a roughly 10% increase in programme spending, removing Recovery Facility repayments from the main budget and insisting on separate funding for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and Cohesion Policy—an approach that contrasts with the European Commission’s draft. Proposed agricultural funding amounts to approximately EUR 430 billion in current prices, focused primarily on direct payments. Parliament negotiators also advocate introducing a digital tax as a new EU revenue source and restoring support for outermost regional programmes. Following debate on hundreds of amendments, the text will go to the Budget Committee then the plenary vote, forming the official basis for negotiations with the Commission and Council.
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On 9 April 2026, the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (COMAGRI) discussed the future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 in the context of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. Experts presented plans for integrating the CAP into a new Fund for National and Regional Partnerships, arguing it could provide flexible support, but MEPs warned it risks undermining the CAP’s common EU dimension and promoting renationalisation. Members advocated for maintaining a strong, two-pillar CAP structure and a dedicated budget to ensure payment stability across Member States. Key concerns included payment convergence and the role of agricultural ministries. The European Commission reassured MEPs that core CAP principles, interventions, and rules would remain mandatory. Debate will continue over budget size, flexibility, and the CAP’s common character.
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On 5 April 2026, EU Member States approved the European Commission’s proposal to allocate €21.5 million from the agricultural crisis reserve to support farmers in Bulgaria, Estonia, and Hungary following severe weather in 2025. Hungary will receive €10.8 million, Bulgaria €7.4 million, and Estonia €3.3 million. The aid aims to help farmers recover from droughts, heatwaves, and frosts which harmed key crop and livestock production. Member States can supplement this EU funding with their own resources. Funds must be paid to affected farmers by the end of September 2026 to support income stability after significant losses.
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At the EU Council meeting on 30 March 2026, Agriculture Ministers reviewed the first year of the Agriculture and Food Vision and stressed the need for a sufficient and separate budget for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Most Member States supported a French and Italian proposal for a temporary one-year suspension of the border-based carbon offset mechanism (CBAM) for fertilisers, opposed by Germany and the Netherlands. Ministers called for safeguards in the Mercosur agreement, reciprocal measures against harmful substances, and stronger border controls. The Council also agreed on the necessity of expanding the agricultural crisis fund. Other topics included the use of digestate, trade rule adjustments, and the dairy market situation.
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