On Wednesday 10 September, the European Parliament adopted (393 votes in favour, 145 against and 123 abstentions) the own-initiative report by Carmen Crespo (EPP, Spanish) on the common agricultural policy (CAP) post-2027, which does not take into account the Commission’s latest proposals on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034 and CAP reform.
This did not prevent Ms Crespo from thanking MEPs, after the vote, for their broad support for her report, which “consolidates the CAP and protects the sector against the 22% cut proposed by the European Commission” for the period 2028-2034 (see EUROPE 13676/12).
Parliament’s position “preserves direct aid to farmers and livestock breeders, incorporates reciprocity clauses into trade agreements and takes water management into account”, pointed out Ms Crespo.
Contrary to the Commission’s proposals, the European Parliament is calling for a “standalone” budget for the CAP post-2027.
A handful of amendments were put to the vote, but only a few were approved. In adopting an amendment by Ms Crespo, Parliament noted that on 16 July the Commission presented, alongside its proposal for the new MFF for the period 2028-2034, legislative proposals aimed at reforming the CAP (see EUROPE 13687/11). MEPs insist, however, that Parliament’s position on the future of the CAP and EU agriculture remains as set out in this report.
In addition, the European Parliament adopted (374 votes in favour, 263 against and 23 abstentions) an amendment tabled by MEPs from the S&D (mainly) and Greens/EFA groups, deleting the initial paragraph of Ms Crespo’s report, which called for a “complete reassessment of designated Natura 2000 areas” and a “revision” of the Habitats Directive. According to the S&D group, this paragraph called into question these two paragraphs, and its rejection was made possible thanks to the support of 119 EPP MEPs.
Furthermore, by adopting another amendment tabled by several MEPs, Parliament is encouraging “the use of nature restoration approaches based on partnerships with farmers and landowners, guaranteeing full respect for property rights”. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)