Farmers in Estonia voice dissent against the EU's proposed reduction in agricultural subsidies
In a recent demonstration in Brussels, Kerli Ats, the chair of the management board of the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, and Ene Kärner, the head of the organisation's representation in Brussels, voiced their concerns about the European Commission's proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
The MFF, amounting to approximately €2 trillion and representing a 64% increase over the previous MFF, has sparked controversy due to its ambitious scale and shift in priorities. The proposal includes new taxes targeting large companies, electronic waste, and tobacco products, but has been met with criticism for its overambitious spending plans and financing methods.
The controversy surrounding the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is linked to the Commission prioritizing "European public goods" such as industrial investments in digital, energy, and defense infrastructure over traditional obligations like agriculture and regional development. This implies a relative reduction or reprioritization of CAP subsidies within the broader budget, raising concerns in agricultural sectors and among member states reliant on these funds.
Kerli Ats, the chair of the Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce, emphasised that the proposed 30% cut to CAP subsidies is excessive and puts European producers in a difficult position. Ats argued that more, not less, funding is needed to ensure the sustainability of food production in the EU.
Ats reiterated that food production has become more expensive due to rising input costs, the war in Ukraine, new free trade deals, consumer demand for affordability, and increasingly ambitious environmental and climate regulations. The Commission's proposal would reduce the CAP budget in real terms from 387 billion to 300 billion euros in 2025 prices.
The Estonian Chamber of Agriculture and Commerce emphasised that the preservation of the EU's food production capacity, sustainability, and economic viability is crucial for Europe's future and security. The organisation expressed concern that the proposed merger of the CAP into a new single partnership fund could end the CAP's status as an independent, unified policy and shift more control to national governments.
Ats asserted that the Commission's proposal to reduce the CAP budget in real terms from 387 billion to 300 billion euros in 2025 prices is unacceptable to European farmers. The organisation calls on the Estonian government and members of the European Parliament to take an active stand to preserve the EU's food production capacity, sustainability, and economic viability.
The protest in Brussels is part of a broader debate over the EU’s future priorities and funding mechanisms, as member states negotiate a unanimous agreement on the MFF. The Commission's proposal has faced political pushback, reflecting concerns over the EU’s ambitious spending plans and financing methods.
[1] European Commission, "Proposed Regulation for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework," 2022. [2] European Parliament, "Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development Opinion on the Proposed Regulation for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework," 2022. [3] Council of the European Union, "General Approach on the Proposed Regulation for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework," 2022.
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