Agricultural protest in Brussels
Eastern European agricultural organizations are calling on the European Commission to immediately withdraw proposals that would fundamentally affect the future of European agriculture.
The signatories of the document are prepared to take a united stand and are organizing another demonstration in Brussels in the fall, this time joined by Western European farmers, the chamber emphasized.
In a joint statement, Eastern European agricultural organizations reject the Commission’s proposals for reforming the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
“Agricultural and food industry interest groups in Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania are calling on the European Commission to immediately withdraw the proposals that will fundamentally affect the future of European agriculture and the food industry.”
They are asking the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament to take decisive action against the Commission’s proposals and to oblige the Commission to withdraw the drafts,”
they wrote in the statement.
Agricultural protest in Brussels. Photo: Pexels
According to the document signed by the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture and the National Association of Hungarian Farmers’ Circles and Farmers Cooperatives (MAGOSZ) , the Commission’s proposals for the future of the CAP not only threaten the livelihoods of agricultural producers but also undermine Europe’s food supply independence.
The multiannual financial framework provides for a 22 percent nominal reduction in the CAP budget, which, taking inflation into account, represents a reduction of more than 45 percent in real terms.
Such a drastic withdrawal of resources would further weaken the competitiveness of European agriculture at a time when it is already under pressure from increased administrative burdens, global market exposure, and climate challenges. It would also jeopardize environmental objectives, which have been partially offset by CAP funding in the past.
The 23 organizations that signed the statement clearly show that we are not alone in the fight to preserve CAP resources, and that the alliance formed among Eastern European countries represents a significant force against Brussels policy,”
said the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture.
However, European agricultural organizations have not only joined forces at the level of statements, they are also ready to take a joint stand. Interest groups representing the sector will soon take to the streets of Brussels again, together with producers. The upcoming demonstration was discussed in recent days with the leaders of Copa-Cogeca, which brings together agricultural organizations. The aim of the demonstration, which is currently being organized, is to preserve EU agricultural subsidies.
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Via MTI; Featured photo: Pexels
The post Eastern European Farmers Unite Against EU Agricultural Reforms appeared first on Hungary Today.
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