Yesterday, European agricultural organizations mobilized in Brussels in a symbolic march to oppose the European Commission's historic approach to two key pillars of European agricultural policy: the future budgetary framework and the CAP. With harvests in full swing, the Commission has decided to dismantle the "common" nature of the CAP through budget cuts hidden under the guise of a so-called "Single Fund," along with a complete renationalization justified by the supposed virtue of administrative simplification. Will the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers support what is already shaping up to be the worst reform of the CAP? The coming months will be decisive.

Copa-Cogeca has been mobilizing for several months, warning against a purely accounting approach and the political incoherence that would result from dissolving the CAP into a "Single Fund." Considering the enormous challenges facing agriculture, Copa-Cogeca has advocated for a consolidated, inflation-adjusted budget, as well as a CAP that ensures predictability and a well-functioning single market.

While the Commission spoke publicly about stakeholder engagement, inclusive dialogue, and listening to farming communities, we now have clear evidence that President von der Leyen had, in fact, been preparing behind the scenes for months a radical, unilateral, and cynical approach to EU agriculture and its budget. Furthermore, the proposal presented this Wednesday completely ignored the votes and positions of the European Parliament and the European Council. The result is an approach unacceptable to European agricultural organizations.

More than the lack of details on the CAP proposals, which have not yet been published and will require very detailed analysis, and the lack of clarity, it is the message sent today by the top brass of the European executive that is truly damaging. Behind the euphemisms, accounting debates, and polished arguments lies an even more disturbing truth: the very foundations of European agricultural policy are being undermined and dismantled in what could become a Black Wednesday in Brussels.

Can the budget cuts, the dissolution of the two pillars, the loss of communality, and the Commission's disengagement from its long-standing agricultural policy be interpreted as anything more than a message of abandonment, indifference, and a lack of strategic priority for agriculture and rural communities?

Regardless of the budget breakdowns, we know exactly who will be most affected: family farms, the cornerstone of our model. These farms have withstood crisis after crisis. They bring diversity, quality, and resilience to our food systems and territories. These are the farmers we applauded during the pandemic and those who will lead the green transition the Commission demands. And yet, with this budgetary signal—just as a new legislative cycle begins and with the imminent signing of the EU-Mercosur agreement—how can the Commission expect the agricultural community to continue listening and trusting it in the coming years?

The Commission would do well to heed the more than 6,000 organizations that have signed the Copa and Cogeca petition in just a few weeks. Their message is clear: deep and growing concern—and yes, growing indignation—at feeling ignored despite being the backbone of European (food) security.

"To those who feel shocked, dismayed, or astonished by the Commission's announcements this Wednesday, we say that this is just the beginning of a long process. As we demonstrated yesterday in front of the Berlaymont with numerous MEPs from across the political spectrum, we call on the European co-legislators—particularly the Committee on Agriculture and the ministers—to address these two issues and turn their words of support for agriculture into concrete actions," said Copa and Cogeca, who will remain firmly mobilized during this historic moment for the sector.