EU agriculture ministers on 23 June 2026 debated the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027, revealing divergences over the balance between common rules and national flexibility, mandatory versus optional interventions, and budget allocation. The discussion, held under the Cyprus Presidency, also covered state-of-play reports on the CAP package, organic farming, and a targeted revision of the Common Market Organisation (CMO).
Cyprus Presidency President Maria Panayiotou reported progress on legislative files, including a fertiliser proposal, organic farming regulation (mandate agreed, awaiting EP position), and CMO targeted revision (trilogues concluded, entry into force July 2026). On MFF-related CAP proposals, she noted a mature phase with some outstanding issues, expressing optimism for resolution under the incoming Irish Presidency.
EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen stressed the need to balance common rules with flexibility, warning that too much flexibility undermines the 'common' character of the CAP. He emphasised targeting support to real farmers, generational renewal, and maintaining a strong budget. France's Annie Genevard called for preserving the CAP's common framework, sufficient resources, and increased co-financing rates, while opposing optional environmental measures. Portugal's Salvador Malheiro pushed back against mandatory support for farm succession and advocated voluntary transition plans. Italy's Luigi D'Eramo highlighted the CAP's strategic role and called for simplification and inclusion of agriculture in EU emergency tools. Greece's Margaritis Schinas argued for a common policy with EU resources and flexibility at national level. Latvia's representative stressed flexibility on interventions like support for areas with natural constraints and small farms, and unresolved external convergence. Belgium's Anne-Catherine Dalcq called for a clear definition of active farmer, ambitious generational renewal, and a coherent framework.
The debate exposed a cleavage between member states favouring strong common rules and those prioritising national flexibility. France and Greece leaned towards preserving the common framework, while Portugal, Latvia, and Italy pushed for more flexibility. Commissioner Hansen's warning against excessive flexibility highlighted the tension between EU integration and national sovereignty. The outcome will impact EU farmers (targeting of support, mandatory vs. optional measures), member states (budget allocation, co-financing rates), and agri-food sectors (fruit, vegetables, wine). Next steps: negotiations continue under the Irish Presidency, with key divergences on mandatory vs. optional interventions, targeting criteria, and budget allocation.