V4 agricultural chambers act together: European Commission’s plan unacceptable

The leaders of the agricultural chambers of the four countries met on December 4-5 in Tatra Lomnica, Slovakia. As stated in the joint statement they adopted, they strongly protest against the proposal published by the European Commission in June of this year, according to which agricultural subsidies would be reduced by more than 20% in the 2028-2034 EU budget cycle and the abolition of the independent EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). In contrast, the agricultural chambers consider it justified to maintain the agricultural budget at least at the 2021-2027 level and to increase it in line with inflation, as well as to maintain the proven two-pillar structure of the CAP. In addition, the agricultural chambers do not agree with the proposal to reduce area-based income support or to stop farmers receiving old-age pensions who have reached retirement age from receiving such support. The European Commission plans to make decisions without thorough preparation, consultation with stakeholders and impact assessments, which is unsustainable. Furthermore, the four agricultural chambers call on EU decision-makers to avoid concluding trade agreements with non-EU countries that endanger European farmers and pose a food safety risk to consumers. Imports from Ukraine, Brazil or Morocco are not expected to meet the EU’s mandatory food safety standards, yet they are allowed onto the European market without inspection.

Not only are producers in the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary and Slovakia outraged, but tempers are boiling all over Europe

A large-scale farmers’ demonstration will be held in Brussels on December 18th, involving several thousand people, due to the planned EU measures. In addition to the four countries that have just issued a statement, farmers and agricultural interest groups from several other member states will also participate in the demonstration, with nearly ten thousand people.

NAK