EU reaches partial agreement on the future CAP from 2028 onwards

The agriculture ministers of the 27 European Union member states have reached a unanimous, partial general agreement on the regulation that will establish the implementation conditions for support under the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), slated for the 2028–2034 period. The agreement was concluded on October 26 in Luxembourg, following 12 hours of negotiations.

The agreement seeks to maintain the CAP as a common policy at the European level, with its own regulatory framework and flexibility for implementation by member states, while avoiding further renationalization of agricultural subsidies.

Among the key elements agreed upon is the maintenance of income support mechanisms for farmers and livestock producers, as well as targeted aid for agricultural and livestock sectors facing competitiveness challenges. Also included are risk and crisis management instruments designed to strengthen the sector’s capacity to respond to adverse situations.

The text includes measures to foster generational renewal—with support for the entry of young farmers and livestock producers—and maintains the environmental architecture of the CAP, including the existing eco-schemes, albeit under new names.

Furthermore, support is envisaged for productive investments and environmental adaptation on farms, as well as for the development of agri-food processing and marketing activities. Support for rural areas, regions with natural constraints, and rural innovation and development programs is also being maintained.

Another aspect addressed is the application of maximum aid limits and degressivity to cooperative members, in addition to establishing the foundations to facilitate the transition between the current CAP and the new period.

The agreement is not yet final. The regulation will need to be negotiated with the European Parliament, likely starting in January 2027. Furthermore, the budgetary allocation for the future CAP remains subject to negotiations on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, which will need to be addressed by the EU heads of state and government.