Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen, in a written answer on 9 July 2026, outlined the Commission's plans to reform the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to redistribute subsidies more fairly towards small and medium-sized farmers, while reducing administrative burdens. The answer responds to a parliamentary question from Renew MEP Ilhan Kyuchyuk, who raised concerns about the financial difficulties faced by smaller producers amid ongoing farmers' protests across several Member States.
Hansen confirmed that the CAP legislative proposals tabled in July 2025 already introduce degressivity and capping of income support for the largest beneficiaries, with mandatory higher per-hectare support for young farmers and differentiated support for areas with natural constraints and small farms. The new degressive area-based income support scheme will replace the current complex entitlements system with a simpler design, including a lump-sum payment option for small farmers that consolidates several interventions. The Commission also pointed to its Omnibus simplification proposals, which aim to cut red tape across the agri-food supply chain and enhance competitiveness.
The answer signals a clear policy orientation towards redistributive targeting and simplification, but lacks specific numerical targets or deadlines for implementation. The proposals remain subject to negotiation between the European Parliament and the Council, with the post-2027 CAP framework still under discussion. Stakeholders most affected include small and medium-sized farmers, who stand to benefit from higher support and reduced bureaucracy, and large agricultural holdings, which will face capped payments. National administrations will need to adapt to the new simplified payment systems, while the agri-food sector may gain from the broader Omnibus simplification measures.