Seventeen EU Member States Unite to Shield Common Agricultural Policy Budget
A coalition of 17 EU member states, known as the 'Friends of Cohesion,' has formally opposed proposed shifts in the 2028–2034 budget that would reduce funding for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
Coalition Emerges to Safeguard Farm Funding
On October 2, 2026, a coalition of 17 European Union member states officially intervened in the ongoing negotiations over the EU's next long-term budget, the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Operating under the 'Friends of Cohesion' banner, the group sent a formal joint letter to the Irish Presidency of the EU Council. The primary objective of this coordinated initiative is to preserve current funding levels for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and cohesion policy.
The coalition consists of Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain. These nations represent a significant block within the EU, signaling widespread concern across southern, central, and eastern Europe over potential revisions to traditional agricultural subsidies and support mechanisms.
Pushback Against Proposed Strategic Shifts
The joint letter is a direct reaction to proposals originating from the European Commission regarding the structure of the 2028–2034 MFF. The Commission's proposals suggest shifting financial resources away from long-standing traditional frameworks, such as the CAP and cohesion funds, to address and prioritize new strategic areas. Specifically, these proposed budget reallocations are intended to bolster the European Union's capabilities in defense and competitiveness.
The 'Friends of Cohesion' coalition strongly opposes these proposed reallocations. Agricultural advocates and member state representatives argue that maintaining robust CAP funding is essential, warning that diverting these resources to fund defense and competitiveness could undermine the foundational support structures that European farmers rely on.
Strategic Timing Ahead of European Council Summit
The timing of this diplomatic intervention is highly strategic. The joint letter was delivered to the Irish Presidency on October 2, 2026, just two weeks before the European Council is scheduled to convene for a crucial meeting on October 15–16, 2026.
During this upcoming summit, the next long-term budget is set to be a central topic of debate among EU heads of state and government. By presenting a unified front of 17 member states, the 'Friends of Cohesion' group aims to position the preservation of agricultural and cohesion budgets as a priority before the final budget parameters for the 2028–2034 cycle are established.
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