The European Parliament has adopted its position on the future of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), calling for a larger, stand-alone agriculture budget after 2027. Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) stated that the CAP should not be merged with other funding areas or included in broader financial envelopes used by member states for non-agricultural purposes.
According to Parliament, direct income support should continue to be provided to all active, professional farmers based on land area. MEPs also stressed that rural development support must remain separate from cohesion policies.
One of the main priorities highlighted is reducing administrative burdens for farmers. MEPs propose an incentive-based system aimed at encouraging farmers to meet environmental and social objectives. They emphasized that eco-schemes should remain voluntary and accompanied by appropriate remuneration, and that existing farming practices should be considered when requiring compliance with standards for maintaining land in good agricultural and environmental condition.
Parliament also addressed digitalisation in agriculture, advocating for all farmers to have access to innovative digital solutions designed to promote sustainable practices, increase incomes, and decrease administrative workload. The monitoring of CAP fund use would rely more on satellite imagery and self-certification within a centralised electronic reporting system, which could reduce stress during farm inspections.
On water management and circular economy measures, Parliament called for investments in modernising water retention, distribution, storage infrastructure, as well as wastewater purification and treatment facilities. Farmers would receive incentives to recover biomass, agricultural waste, and co-products.
Generational renewal was identified as essential for the sector’s future; currently almost 58% of EU farmers are over 55 years old while only 6% are under 35. MEPs want increased CAP financing along with more tax and loan incentives aimed at lowering barriers for new entrants into farming.
The report outlining these recommendations was adopted with 393 votes in favour, 145 against, and 123 abstentions.
Rapporteur Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP, ES) said: “We are fighting for the fair future Europe’s agricultural sector deserves. That means a truly common CAP that strengthens the food supply chain, supports vibrant rural communities, and empowers farmers through innovation, generational renewal, and fair market conditions. We cannot support any cuts, nor any attempts to nationalise the CAP or merge its funding with other EU instruments. Above all, we must safeguard and guarantee direct payments to farmers; these are the backbone of their income and the most effective tool to ensure food security and territorial balance across Europe.”
