Today, symbolic and flash actions were organised in around 20 EU Member States, culminating in a central mobilisation organised jointly by FWA, Boerenbond and Copa-Cogeca in Brussels, alongside the European Commission’s conference on the EU budget. For the agricultural sector, this marks a first pan European mobilisation in support of an increased CAP Budget adapted to inflation and in response to growing concerns over the idea of a “single fund”, which — if pursued according to the Commission’s reasoning — could see the Common Agricultural Policy toolbox diluted and the agricultural policy merged with other policy priorities. For EU farmers’ organisations, this option represents a historic misstep and a threat to EU food security, a view echoed by many ministers and Members of the European Parliament.
As Copa President Massimiliano Giansanti stated during his speech at the mobilisation:
“The issue of the budget is far from being a technical issue; it is a key political priority that determines the ambition and overall coherence of European agricultural policies. Without this, the entire structure could collapse like a house of cards. That is why we cannot accept the dissolution of the CAP into a single fund or any attempt of further renationalisation, nor a rushed proposal for the next CAP presented in July alongside the post-2027 MFF, without clarity on available resources, governance or proper consultation with the sector.”
This clear message was echoed simultaneously across more than 20 EU countries and displayed on a giant screen behind the stage set up in Brussels. To symbolise the threat, a house of cards bearing the words “No Budget, No CAP, No Farmers, No Security” was toppled by participating organisations.
Lennart Nilson, President of Cogeca, also present at the flash action in Brussels, added:
“This is not a slogan — it’s a real risk we must avoid! We understand there are vital strategic priorities for the EU today, but it’s also very clear to us that our collective security relies on a fundamental pillar: our food security. This is an idea championed by the EU’s founding fathers and it remains more relevant than ever. That’s why Copa-Cogeca calls for a renewed commitment, with a dedicated and safeguarded budget line, and an inflation-adjusted CAP budget in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. We will remain mobilised until we receive clear reassurances on this matter.”
This call was heard by many Members of the European Parliament, who came to show their support for the flash action, following a clear vote last week opposing the single fund concept and reaffirming the priority of agriculture.
The message also reached the European Commission. At the side of the action a meeting between Copa and Cogeca leadership and Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin took place. The Commissioner was open to listening and to further discussing with European farmers and agri-cooperatives’ representatives. He reassured the leadership of Copa and Cogeca about his engagement on prioritising food security and maintaining support for the sector through the Common Agriculture Policy.
Discussions will continue in the lead-up to the European Commission’s budget proposal due in July. Until clear answers are provided, Copa and Cogeca will continue their mobilisation in various forms, as this is a foundational issue for the future of European agriculture.
Fonte: Copa Cogeca
