On 7 July 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted a legislative act amending the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) framework to provide emergency temporary support via the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), adjust 2027 direct payment allocations, and introduce more flexible advance payment rules in response to fertilizer price hikes caused by the Middle East crisis. The Council also decided to waive the 8-week scrutiny period for national parliaments under Protocol 1 of the EU treaties, a move that accelerates adoption but limits parliamentary oversight. Slovakia issued a statement on the decision.
The regulation amends Regulation (EU) 2021/2115 to introduce a specific intervention for extraordinary temporary support under the EAFRD, allowing member states to rapidly channel funds to farmers facing high input costs. It also permits adjustment of direct payment allocations for calendar year 2027, enabling reallocation of funds to address urgent needs. Additionally, Regulation (EU) 2021/2116 is amended to establish more flexible rules for paying advances to farmers, improving liquidity through earlier and more flexible payments.
The emergency measure is a direct response to the surge in fertilizer prices triggered by the Middle East crisis, which has strained farm incomes across the EU. By bypassing the standard 8-week period for national parliament scrutiny, the Council aims to ensure swift implementation, though this has drawn criticism from some member states concerned about democratic oversight. Slovakia's statement, included in the document, likely reflects such concerns, though the exact content was not detailed.
Stakeholder impact EU farmers: Benefit from rapid financial relief through emergency support and more flexible advance payments, improving cash flow during a cost crisis. However, the adjustment of 2027 direct payment allocations may create uncertainty for long-term planning. National authorities: Gain flexibility to reallocate funds and disburse advances more quickly, but face administrative burden in implementing the new intervention and adjusting payment schedules. EU taxpayers: The emergency support is funded from the existing CAP budget, potentially diverting resources from other rural development priorities, though the scale of reallocation is not specified. National parliaments: Lose the opportunity to scrutinize the legislation during the waived 8-week period, reducing their role in EU decision-making and potentially setting a precedent for future emergency measures.
Institutional follow-up The regulation will now be published in the Official Journal of the EU and enter into force shortly thereafter. Member states are expected to implement the new rules in their national CAP strategic plans, with the European Commission overseeing compliance. The European Parliament had previously approved the text, and the Council's adoption finalizes the legislative process. The decision to waive the scrutiny period may be revisited in future emergency procedures, depending on feedback from national parliaments.