An official from the European Commission on agriculture acknowledged the role of protests in shaping policy. Speaking during a meeting with representatives of Spanish agricultural associations in the European Parliament, the EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, expressed gratitude for the farmers’ demonstrations, framing them as a catalyst for strengthening European farming and improving agricultural policy and related measures.
Farmers have been expressing serious concerns across Europe, highlighting the enduring difficulties they face. The Commissioner noted that the protests represent an important voice that can contribute to more robust agricultural policy and to policy changes in other areas connected to farming, which are currently pressing issues for the sector.
– Wojciechowski emphasized the significance of these protests in national and European discourse.
In related coverage, discussions have focused on various regional grievances. For example, in Germany the dispute centered on subsidies linked to agricultural fuel; in France the matter concerned taxation, in the Netherlands a national program aimed at reducing livestock numbers sparked debate, and in Greece the situation involved insufficient post-disaster aid following floods.
Officials also pointed to broader political contexts. Two major concerns were highlighted: the Green Deal’s impact on agricultural policy and the tension around Ukrainian imports. A diagnosis by EC representatives framed these as central parts of the ongoing debate about how Europe supports farming while pursuing environmental and trade objectives.
Among the CAP adjustments discussed in the context of Green Deal considerations, the controversy around a 4% set-aside requirement drew attention. Farmers across multiple countries questioned this figure, while it was noted by the Commissioner that efforts were already made to avoid a 10% level as initially proposed.
Another contested element fell outside the CAP scope: a proposal to reduce pesticide use by 50% as part of environmental and climate goals. The Commissioner recalled opposition to an automatic, uniform cut, arguing that differences in pesticide usage among member states are substantial. Examples range from about 9 kilograms of active substances per hectare in the Netherlands to around 0.5 kilograms in Romania or Finland. A uniform reduction would not reflect these disparities. President Ursula von der Leyen has indicated that this proposal will be withdrawn from further legislative work, signaling that such measures are unlikely to appear soon.
The Commissioner stressed that the fate of this proposal will depend on changes in the European Commission and the European Parliament’s composition in the future.
Three proposals for short-term relief
Wojciechowski announced three measures designed to provide immediate relief to farmers. The first would allow member states to increase direct payments by 10 percent as a form of inflation-adjusted support. This would occur in the realm of public aid, recognizing that there is no additional funding available within the EU budget for this purpose. The second proposal would grant a waiver of penalties in 2024 for farmers who cannot fully meet GAEC requirements related to minimum land cover during sensitive periods, crop rotation, and diversification on arable and fallow land. The Commissioner described this as a targeted grace period to help farmers navigate challenging conditions. The third proposal requests maintaining an open framework for government support to agriculture into the next year, extending the program beyond the current expiration in June to cover an extended period.
These measures reflect ongoing efforts to balance environmental objectives, market realities, and food security while acknowledging the diverse situations across member states.
End of remarks. The statements above summarize ongoing negotiations and reflect the EU’s attempt to stabilize farming incomes, preserve rural livelihoods, and align agricultural policy with broader environmental and trade goals. The Commission’s position and proposed steps will continue to evolve with the political landscape of the European Union.
Notes: This synthesis reflects statements and policy proposals discussed within European Parliament and EC forums. For context and verification, sources align with official EC communications and public briefings. (Citation: European Commission—Agriculture Directorate; European Parliament records.)