The new financial framework of the European Union seeks to centralize the administration of funds through national governments, with the aim of simplify distribution channels and merge various budget items, such as those for agricultural policy and cohesion funds. Despite Von der Leyen's description of the plan as "strategic, more flexible, and more transparent," the initiative has provoked a marked division between Member States and deep discontent in the primary sector, particularly in countries with a strong dependence on agriculture, such as Spain.
The budget includes cuts exceeding 20% in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), one of the largest spending areas for nations with strong agricultural sectors. Despite the growth in the total budget volume, the proportion allocated to agriculture and cohesion decreases compared to previous years, thus freeing up resources that will be redirected towards defense, security and the ecological transition.
Specifically, the EU plans to allocate approximately 590.000 billion euros to the area of competitiveness, which covers the Defense policy, which represents a fivefold increase in military investment compared to the previous framework, relegating the CAP and fisheries to a secondary role. According to researcher Víctor Burguete of CIDOB, "the problem with the European budget is that it is designed with a model from the 70s or 80s. Now we have different geopolitical needs, including competitiveness, the ecological transition, and digital innovation."
This budget restructuring has drawn sharp criticism from the European agricultural sector. Pedro Barato, president of Asaja and vice president of COPA-COGECA, expressed his deep concern: “President Von der Leyen has decided to leave the agricultural sector out of the European project.” Turning the CAP into a budgetary appendage is dismantling the EU in one of its pillars: that of feeding itself.Barato added that "once again, it is clear that Europe wants to take money away from the agricultural sector to implement other policies. We agree that we need to arm ourselves and defend ourselves, but it cannot be at the expense of farmers and their budgets."
protests and political pressure The voices of agricultural unions are already being heard in Brussels, where the countryside has issued a clear warning: "Europe cannot strengthen itself on an empty stomach."
The Spanish Government, in line with the agricultural organizations, demands the protection of the CAP and that at least one 50% of the budget is allocated to the green transition, compared to the current 30%. Meanwhile, the European fishing industry association has expressed its "deep concern" at the possibility of being excluded from the new funding criteria.
The process of debate and negotiation is just beginning. The European Parliament and the 27 Member State governments must now deliberate on this proposal with the challenge of reaching a complex equilibrium between security, sustainability, and territorial equality. While the final figures and detailed percentages for each major item have not yet been made public, the European Commission and official media have provided some key data:
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El Main fund (for cohesion, agriculture and other flagship policies) amounts to 865.000 millones de euros, including traditional programs such as Cohesion funds and Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) aid.
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La CAP (Common Agricultural Policy) will receive 302.000 millones de euros, Representing a significant reduction compared to previous frames, now representing approximately 15% of the total budget (compared to 31% previously).
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To Defense and security are expected 131.000 millones de euros, which implies a very significant increase, as it increases the funds fivefold compared to the previous framework.
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They are intended 100.000 millones de euros for Support for Ukraine up to 2034.
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In the field of Competitiveness, digitalization and innovation, Brussels allocates about 590.000 millones de euros, although the precise percentage for the entire digitalization and innovation mix has not yet been specified.
The largest budget increase is recorded in the area of Trade, while the Major cuts are being applied to agriculture and cohesion.
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