Widespread Opposition to Proposed EU Long-term Budget as Negotiations Loom
Stakeholders express strong criticism of the proposed EU long-term budget, fearing impacts on small farms and regional governance.
Key Points
- • Proposed EU budget faces massive criticism from various stakeholders.
- • Copa-Cogeca labels the budget as 'radical, one-sided, and cynical' for small farms.
- • Kata Tüttö calls the proposal 'a monster' due to increased centralization.
- • Final agreement on the budget expected by spring 2027.
The proposed EU long-term budget has ignited significant criticism from a wide array of stakeholders, including regional politicians and farmers, who have voiced strong objections regarding its implications. Major agricultural group Copa-Cogeca condemned the proposal as 'radical, one-sided, and cynical', spotlighting the negative effects it poses for small family farms, which are particularly vulnerable to budget cuts. In contrast, the EU Commission has defended the proposal, asserting its commitment to protecting small farmers despite a decrease in overall agricultural funding allocations.
Kata Tüttö, chair of the EU's Committee of the Regions, has labeled the budget as 'a monster', warning that it heralds a wave of centralization. This would result in funds being managed by national governments rather than localized authorities, diminishing regional autonomy in decision-making processes. The ongoing opposition reflects broader concerns regarding changes to regional support mechanisms, which are vital for rural farming communities.
As the proposal sets in motion a lengthy negotiation process, with a final agreement not anticipated until spring 2027, stakeholders are bracing for intense discussions aimed at safeguarding their interests in the face of substantive alterations to the budget structure.