Brussels (ANSA) – Ursula von der Leyen’s personal outreach was insufficient to alleviate concerns regarding the upcoming EU multiannual budget, perceived by some as a threat to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). A coalition of at least seven EU nations, spearheaded by Italy, voiced their opposition in Brussels to the proposal of merging agricultural and cohesion funds into a single ‘national fund’ for the future European budget.
They are advocating for “a profound revision” of the financial framework for the next seven years (2028-2034). Minister of Agriculture, Francesco Lollobrigida, asserted that they have garnered significant support from a wide majority of colleagues who recognize and appreciate their perspective and proposal. Lollobrigida, alongside his counterparts from Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, and Slovakia, led an informal discussion on the matter at the EU Agrifish Council.
Expressing apprehension over the “concrete risk” of a “renationalization of the CAP,” these seven countries raised alarms about the potential “further complications” that might stem from the new budget structure. From Paris to Berlin, as well as Madrid and Vienna, various delegations addressed the assembly, reiterating the importance of safeguarding the ‘common’ aspect of European agricultural policy.
French representative Annie Genevard assured, “We will keep a vigilant eye on any risk of CAP renationalization.” The discussion was characterized by tension, occurring just a week after von der Leyen’s efforts to bridge gaps with the European Parliament and member states by proposing limited adjustments to the budget plan.
Included in these adjustments was the notion of establishing a ‘rural target,’ which entails allocating at least 10% of funds to initiatives for rural areas, along with enhancing the legal independence of the future CAP from other programs (November 17).
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