AREV has taken note with deep concern of the 2027–2034 budget proposal presented by the President of the European Commission. This project represents a major shift that weakens the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), undermines its foundations, and increases the divide between the European Union and its rural territories.
Budgetary and political choices with serious consequences
The facts are clear:
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A nearly 21% reduction in the CAP budget;
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Integration of the CAP into a Single Fund, diluting its specificity and autonomy;
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A creeping renationalisation via a fragmented, “à la carte” approach that threatens European coherence.
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At a time when the agricultural sector is calling for clarity, stability, and recognition, this proposal seems to favour a hasty logic over a pragmatic and unifying vision.
Franck LEROY, President of AREV, declares:
“This proposal deals a severe blow to European agriculture and viticulture. It erases sixty years of common ambition in favour of the gradual dilution of the CAP. Agriculture cannot become a mere adjustment variable in a globalised budget. Where is the European ambition for food sovereignty?”
While €482 billion would be needed to maintain the CAP at its 2020 level, the Commission only proposes €302 billion. This drastic cut sends an alarming signal about agriculture’s place in the EU’s priorities.
A weakened and unbalanced policy
The proposed performance framework relies solely on 32 environmental and social indicators, ignoring the CAP’s economic and strategic pillars, particularly regarding food sovereignty.
The addition of the “Do No Harm” principle and a dual conditionality (27 national systems + cross-cutting climate priorities) introduces complexity that threatens the coherence and fairness of the system.
A de facto renationalisation
The removal of a strong and clear common agricultural framework paves the way for disparate national policies, to the detriment of European cohesion and solidarity.
AREV expresses deep concern about this direction and calls on Member States and the European Parliament to reject this drift.
Key points of concern:
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The announced priority for “those most in need” could in practice exclude many active producers;
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Coupled support is maintained, but vague rules could lead to distortions of competition;
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A risk management policy is needed, but the operation of the €6.3 billion crisis reserve must be clarified urgently;
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Agricultural digitalisation is mentioned as a priority but lacks concrete budgetary support;
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The possible mention of viticulture or tobacco among “harmful sectors” is unacceptable and scientifically unfounded;
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Finally, the planned dismantling of DG AGRI sends a strong negative signal regarding recognition of European agricultural specificities.
AREV calls for a complete rewriting of the proposal.
“There is still time to build an ambitious, fair, united and truly European CAP – serving farmers, citizens, and the food sovereignty of the Union,” concludes Franck Leroy.
