Planas has been emphatic: "We cannot allow European policies to be dismantled because they have been successful since the origins of the European Union. They guarantee food security, the profitability of farmers and livestock breeders, and the stability of the fishing sector.".
The minister has warned that the current EU financial proposal represents a budget reduction of between 15 and 22% for the CAP and a drastic drop for the CFP, whose funds would be reduced to a third of the previous framework, going from 6.000 billion to only 2.000 billion euros.
Three Key Objectives in European Negotiations
Luis Planas has set three essential priorities for Spain in the "complicated and difficult" negotiations in Brussels: Maintaining one's own structure and personality of the CAP and the CFP; Restore the reduced budget allocationavoid mandatory co-financing of the basic elements of the CAP.
On this last point, the minister has been particularly critical, warning that widespread co-financing "It would mean breaking up the internal market" by allowing Member States to distort competition with aid that can "drive a direct competitor from another Member State out of the market".
Planas has insisted that the CAP must maintain its traditional two-pillar structure: the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF) for income support, and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) for rural development, bearing in mind that CAP aid represents between the 18 and 20% of the average income of Spanish farms. "It's not just a question of money; it's also a question of recognition and reputation," he added.
PPC alert and need for rentability
Regarding the Common Fisheries Policy, the minister has warned that the reduction in funds "It does not allow for ensuring the objectives of stability or the renewal of the fishing fleet for the 21st century"Planas acknowledged the complexity of the reform and Spain's role as the EU's leading fishing nation, but insisted that the new CFP should focus on... profitability of the sector.
"We have made a tremendous effort from a sustainability point of view and it has been positive, but now we must recover elements that guarantee profitability," he argued.
The minister has highlighted the unitary position achieved in Spain to defend these interests, after having brought together agricultural organizations, cooperatives, fishing organizations and the 17 autonomous communities.
Success and Commitment of the Current CAP (2023-2027)
Planas concluded by noting that the current CAP (2023-2027) has established itself as a "fairer, more socially responsible, more digitally advanced policy, geared towards small and medium-sized family farms and livestock operations." The 2025 campaign confirms its success with 591.907 farmers and ranchers requesting aid and a great reception from the ecoregimes, applied by 81% of the beneficiaries.
The minister concluded with a message of optimism and determination"If we clearly and firmly defend our national interests and those of our farmers, ranchers, fishermen and coastal communities, we can achieve a good outcome."
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