The European Parliament's Agriculture Committee on 14 July 2026 debated a draft own-initiative report on strengthening competitiveness, resilience and fairness in EU agriculture, exposing a clear divide between those prioritising farmer protection and those demanding deregulation. S&D rapporteur Marko Vešligaj stressed that farmers face unfair conditions, low remuneration, and high bureaucratic burdens, calling for short supply chains, strong trade protection clauses, and support for young farmers and gender equality. EPP shadow Salvatore de Meo backed a self-standing CAP with simplification, innovation, and mirror clauses. Patriots for Europe (PfE) MEP Gilles Pennelle criticised the Green Deal's persistence and called for real European preference. ECR's Waldemar Buda argued EU regulations cause high production costs and unfair competition. Renew's Christine Singer emphasised fair competition, strong CAP funds, and regional value chains. Greens-EFA's Thomas Waitz pushed back against deregulation, arguing climate resilience and fair prices are key, not a race to the bottom. The Left's Arash Saeidi demanded a compensation fund for FTA damage and better conditions for migrant workers. Several MEPs, including Ciaran Mullooly (Renew) and Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR), tabled amendments on CAP budget ring-fencing, generational renewal, water management, and mirror clauses.
Commission representative Gijs Schilthuis highlighted ongoing simplification proposals and work on unfair trading practices and import standards. The report will feed into CAP reform discussions; amendments are due. Affected stakeholders include EU farmers, agri-food chains, consumers, and third-country exporters.