Key Takeaways
- EU Commission introduces new structure for National and Regional Partnership Plans, including agricultural funding
- Proposal maintains a minimum of €300 billion for income support and crisis measures under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
- Funding model integrates CAP with rural development and cohesion instruments to streamline delivery
- €218 billion allocated for less developed regions; plans include flexibility to adapt to local needs
- Proposal still under review by the European Parliament and Council
EU Commission Introduces Agricultural Component of Partnership Plans
The EU Commission has presented a proposal for the 2028–2034 National and Regional Partnership Plans, which outlines a revised structure for agricultural funding under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The plan maintains CAP’s role within the broader funding framework and proposes integrating it with other instruments to simplify implementation.
A minimum of €300 billion is proposed for agricultural income support and crisis management. This includes area-based payments, support for environmental practices, and assistance for young and small-scale farmers.
CAP Reforms Focus on Simplification and Predictability
The EU Commission aims to streamline CAP by merging its current funds into a single policy structure. The proposal retains traditional forms of farmer support while introducing new elements intended to support environmental goals and generational renewal. These include:
- A unified system for agri-environmental measures and eco-schemes
- Transition payments of up to €200,000 for farms adopting new practices
- Strengthened coupled support for specific sectors and regions
- Adjustments to account for inflation and price fluctuations
The proposal also outlines a revised crisis reserve mechanism—the Unity Safety Net—with a proposed budget of €6.3 billion to manage market disruptions and other emergencies.
Support for Rural Regions and Sector-Specific Needs
Under the proposed framework, €218 billion is allocated to less developed regions across the EU, maintaining current funding levels. Member States will be required to specify allocations by region and sector in their national plans, which will include provisions for outermost areas, sparsely populated regions, and rural and urban transition zones.
The plan emphasizes flexibility, allowing Member States to tailor funding to evolving regional priorities while meeting shared EU objectives. Stakeholder participation and multi-level governance will continue to be part of the implementation approach.
Monitoring, Performance, and Next Steps For The EU Commission
Implementation of the CAP and related funding measures would be based on milestone tracking and performance targets. The Commission proposes a simplified regulatory approach intended to reduce administrative burden and enhance transparency.
While this package outlines the EU Commission’s vision, it remains a legislative proposal subject to negotiation with the European Parliament and Council. If adopted, the new structure will define agricultural funding priorities and mechanisms for the 2028–2034 period.
