European farmers protest against dangerous Commission plans

On 21 October, a surprise farmers' protest outside the European Parliament in Strasbourg. It was organised by the European farmers' organisations Copa-Cogeca, FNSEA, FDSEA67 and Jeunes Agriculteurs (JA) to express their opposition to the European Commission's proposed changes to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

About 200 farmers from different European countries gathered for the protest, with as many as 40 tractors. This visual and decisive action made their position clear – the Commission's plans pose a serious threat to Europe's food security, rural development and the future of agriculture.

Harsh criticism of the Commission's proposals

Farmers have criticised in particular the Commission's intention to abolish the two-pillar structure of the CAP and integrate it into a single financial fund. According to the protesters, such a move would be extremely dangerous – it would mean: loss of solidarity between Member States, distortion of the single market, increased administrative burden, loss of predictability for farmers, and a direct threat to the competitiveness of rural areas and food security.

The proposed cuts to the agricultural budget were also opposed – less than 15% of total EU spending is planned in this area. According to the protesters, this is completely out of line with the current economic, social, geopolitical and climate challenges.

European Parliament members take the side of farmers

About 50 MEPs from different political groups joined the protest. They expressed their strong support for a strong, united and properly funded CAP. This support demonstrates the growing political opposition to the Commission's proposed changes that would weaken the strategic importance of agriculture in Europe.

Symbolic red line – a warning to the European institutions

During the protest, a 6 metre long red line was drawn outside the European Parliament as a symbolic sign of "crossing the line". With this action, the farmers reinforced a key message: „Our food security – is at stake. MEPs – don't accept the unacceptable!

Call for smart solutions

Protesters are calling on MEPs and Member States not to accept proposed solutions that would weaken the Common Agricultural Policy. They stress that there is an alternative path – one that:

• respects the specificity of the CAP,
• maintains its two-pillar structure,
• ensures a stable and inflation-proof budget,
• respect the provisions of the EU Treaties.

This protest in Strasbourg shows that European farmers want to be heard and the CAP to be preserved as a strategic, sustainable and indispensable policy for the future of Europe as a whole.