Hungarian farmers also participate in large numbers in the pan-European farmers’ demonstration in Brussels

Protesters are expected to arrive from all EU member states, and more than a hundred farmers from our country will also set off on the more than 1,500-kilometer journey to Brussels. The demonstration is organized by Copa-Cogeca, which brings together European farmers’ organizations, and from our country, by the National Chamber of Agriculture and the Association of Hungarian Farmers’ Circles and Farmers’ Cooperatives (MAGOSZ).

Tempers are boiling all over Europe, the member states

Our country’s producers are also outraged. Together with farmers, we demand a complete change of direction from the European Commission. We strongly oppose the proposal published by the Commission in July this year, which would reduce agricultural subsidies by more than 20% in the 2028-2034 EU budget cycle and abolish the independent EU Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Extending the rule of law conditions would give the European Commission serious blackmail potential. On the other hand, it is 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, it is unacceptable to reduce the area-based income support for farmers, and the plan that farmers who have reached retirement age and receive old-age pensions will no longer be able to receive such support is also unacceptable. The European Commission is planning to make decisions without thorough preparation, consultation with stakeholders and impact assessments, which would put EU producers at an even greater competitive disadvantage. We also demand that Brussels not conclude trade agreements with countries outside the EU 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. The demonstration in Brussels will start at noon on Thursday, with farmers marching together in several places and making the voice of European agriculture heard together.

NAK