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Representatives of European farming organisations and agricultural cooperatives, gathered in Stockholm for the 12th European Farmers' Congress, organised by Copa-Cogeca in cooperation with the Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF), presented the Stockholm Declaration on 15 October 2026. The document sets out their main demands concerning the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the European Union's Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) beyond 2027.
According to Copa-Cogeca, one of the main demands is to maintain the CAP budget at least at its current level and adjust it for inflation. The organisations stress the need for stable and predictable funding to enable farmers, livestock producers and cooperatives to plan investments and maintain their activities.
The declaration also calls for preserving the common nature of the CAP. Its proponents express concern that the proposed governance model for the next budgetary period could increase disparities between Member States and create competition for agricultural resources. They therefore call for CAP funding to be protected from competing budgetary priorities.
The document also highlights the role of farming and livestock production in food security, strategic autonomy and European competitiveness. In this context, the organisations advocate greater access to investment in innovation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, water management, infrastructure and decarbonisation.
They also call for a strong Common Market Organisation (CMO), with crisis management instruments and mechanisms to strengthen the position of producers and cooperatives within the food supply chain.
Another key priority is CAP simplification. The organisations call for reduced administrative burdens and requirements that reflect the diversity of production systems and conditions across European regions. They also oppose mandatory payment capping and degressivity, advocating proportionate measures that, where appropriate, are voluntary and supported by suitable incentives.
Finally, the declaration calls for legal certainty and financial stability to encourage long-term investment and generational renewal. It also seeks recognition of investments made on farms and with the support of cooperatives as eligible for CAP support instruments.
Through these proposals, the organisations represented by Copa-Cogeca urge EU heads of state and government to recognise the strategic importance of agricultural and livestock production during negotiations on the EU's next long-term budget.
October 15, 2026 / Copa-Cogeca / European Union.
https://copa-cogeca.eu
