Almost a year after widespread farmer protests which stirred European politicians into action, farmers are preparing to take to the streets of Brussels again tomorrow (20 May) with EU funding in their sights.
A recent Ipsos survey found that farmers are ready to mobilise again across Europe. One-third of respondents said they were very likely to protest again, with Spain and Poland emerging as strongholds of continuing disaffection among farmers.
By contrast, farmers in France and Germany were more divided on the issue, while Belgian, Dutch, Irish and Romanian respondents all seemed less inclined to demonstrate.
At a recent Euronews event unveiling the survey findings, Elli Tsiforou, Secretary General of the main EU farmers’ lobby, Copa-Cogeca, shed light on the reason for the renewed protests.
“I’ll go straight to the heart of the issue. This is about a major concern for our community: the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF),” Tsiforou said, referring to bloc’s long term budget, usually the cause of incessant wrangling by heads of state and government since it determines funding priorities for several years.
The current MFF covers the 2021–2027 period, with the European Commission expected to propose the next one for 2028–2034 in July.
Farmers previously rallied in February 2020 during the last MFF debate, protesting against proposed cuts to the CAP. Tsiforou noted that funding reductions remain a concern, but that there’s more at stake this time.
“It’s not just about cuts anymore,” she said, adding that each time the MFF is discussed, the CAP is at the centre, as it accounts for nearly a third of the EU budget.
“But we have another hurdle to tackle before going to that. The question is: Are we going to have a policy? Are we going to have a CAP?” Tsiforou asked.
For the next budget the European Commission wants to introduce a “single pot” for EU funds, which would merge various instruments, including the CAP, the Cohesion Policy, and EU research funding Horizon Europe, into one pool.
“What we’re hearing, from behind closed doors where these discussions are happening, is deeply worrying,” Tsiforou said. “There are scenarios suggesting we could lose the second pillar of the CAP.”
The second pillar refers to rural development programs. Tsiforou emphasised its importance as it supports agro-environmental measures, investments in farms, and rural community development.
Losing it would jeopardise the very essence of the CAP, she claims, the ‘common’ part in the Common Agricultural Policy acronym.
Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen is still seen as a potential ally in advocating for a dedicated CAP budget.
“He’s been clear in his support, but our members remain concerned. Ultimately, the decision lies with Commission President von der Leyen, the College of Commissioners, and the heads of state who will soon deliberate on this,” she said.
“We request that the CAP retains its integrity within the single fund, with a dedicated, secure, and adequately financed budget line – one that adjusts for inflation, which has been a significant issue this term.”
This week’s protest is expected to be smaller and more symbolic than last year’s massive mobilisation. “The mood is collaborative,” Tsiforou noted, “but there are still red flags, especially regarding the next MFF.”
She also pointed to a silver lining from last year’s demonstrations: public support. “Citizens didn’t blame the farmers. They understood that problems in the food chain go beyond agriculture and that solutions need to come from elsewhere too.”
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