The EU Council held a policy debate on 1 June 2026 regarding the proposed single fund for cohesion, agriculture, fisheries, and security for the 2028-2034 period, with Member States expressing divergent views on the integration of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) into the new framework. The discussion focused on the National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPP), a key component of Regulation 2025/0240(COD), which aims to streamline EU funding into a single comprehensive investment and reform plan per Member State. Several Member States, notably Hungary, strongly opposed merging the CAP into the single fund, insisting that it should retain its separate two-pillar structure. Other proposals addressed timely plan adoption, simplification of procedures, protection of sensitive security information, and clarification of the role of regional authorities.
Key Divergences on CAP Integration The most contentious issue was the proposed integration of the CAP into the single fund. Hungary led a group of Member States arguing that the CAP's distinct objectives and long-standing two-pillar system (direct payments and rural development) should remain separate to preserve its effectiveness and ensure continued support for farmers. These countries warned that merging CAP into a broader fund could dilute agricultural priorities and complicate implementation. In contrast, other Member States supported integration as a means to reduce administrative burdens and align spending with broader EU strategic goals, such as the Green Deal and digital transformation.
Procedural and Security Concerns Member States also raised concerns about the adoption timeline for NRPPs, with some calling for stricter deadlines to avoid delays seen in the current 2021-2027 programming period. Proposals included mandatory submission dates and accelerated approval processes. On security, several delegations emphasized the need to protect sensitive information related to security-related expenditures, suggesting that such data should be classified and exempt from standard transparency requirements. This reflects growing attention to EU defence and security spending under the new MFF.
Role of Regional Authorities The debate also touched on the involvement of regional and local authorities in drafting and implementing NRPPs. Some Member States with strong regional governance structures advocated for a legally guaranteed role for regions in plan design and monitoring, while others preferred a more centralised approach to ensure coherence and efficiency. This mirrors long-standing tensions between multi-level governance and national sovereignty in EU cohesion policy.
Impact on Stakeholders The proposed single fund would significantly affect EU farmers and agri-food businesses, who face uncertainty over future CAP support structures. National administrations would need to adapt to new planning and reporting requirements, potentially reducing administrative costs if simplification is achieved. Regional authorities could gain or lose influence depending on the final design. EU taxpayers may benefit from more efficient spending, but risk reduced transparency if security exemptions are broad.
Next Steps The Council will continue discussions in the coming months, with the aim of reaching a general approach by end of 2026. The European Parliament is expected to adopt its position in early 2027, followed by trilogue negotiations. The final regulation must be adopted before the start of the 2028-2034 MFF period.
← Atlas › News › Budget & Administration