Brussels – Slovakia expresses dissatisfaction with the European Commission’s agricultural sector funding proposed in the EU’s long-term budget post-2027, along with the structure of the common agricultural policy. This was conveyed by the Slovak Minister of Agriculture, Richard Takáč (Smer-SD), in an interview with TASR following the EU Council for Agriculture meeting in Brussels on Monday.
Richard Takáč highlighted that many member states, when evaluating farmer funding compared to the current programming period, conclude that there is a reduction in funds. “Slovakia is facing a decrease of 900 million euros in the agricultural sector proposal, nearly a billion,” he noted. He acknowledged that funding may be “stacked” as there are additional packages available for farmers.
A new proposal for the common agricultural policy is also on the table, which suggests consolidating all funds into a large agricultural super fund. Takáč indicated that ministers do not support this approach and prefer to maintain a separate budget for farmers, preserving both pillars of the policy. He criticized the new proposal for neglecting food producers, revealing a 62% funding cut for fisheries, and imposing limitations on the school program that provides dairy products, fruits, and vegetables. They are advocating for increased funding, simplification, reduced bureaucracy, and equitable conditions for all European farmers.
The discussions on Monday primarily centered around the future long-term budget and agricultural policy, with a majority of ministers expressing their concerns over the proposed funding structure and the new policy format.
“This is disappointing. We observe that some EU representatives ideologically insist on allocating more funds to armaments while reducing resources for agriculture and food production. The Union must prioritize food self-sufficiency. The new common agricultural policy proposal is detrimental to Slovakia, and if it remains as is, we will be the most affected,” he asserted.
Takáč emphasized the need to tackle these issues promptly, rather than waiting for the two years leading up to negotiations on the future budget. He believes that 2026 will be pivotal for establishing initial frameworks, with preliminary outlines potentially emerging at the EU summit in December. “In the coming weeks and months, foundational decisions are being made that will indicate our direction and approach,” he elaborated.
Member states have already voiced their concerns, with Slovakia, alongside the capping of direct payments, deeming 100,000 euros per final recipient inadequate, especially given the country’s historically larger farmland areas. He stated that his ministry aims to address these matters through collaboration with other nations and discussions with Slovak MEPs.
“Slovakia will define its non-negotiable points, and I am optimistic that through dialogue, we will reach an agreement that allows us to secure food self-sufficiency and enhance the resilience of European agriculture, food production, and forestry in relation to external nations,” he conveyed. (September 22)
“The new proposal for the common agricultural policy is the worst for Slovakia. If it is set up this way, we will suffer the most.” Richard Takáč
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