Regions demand Commissioner Hansen clear rules to strengthen territorial impact in agricultural and food policies post-2027

Regional leaders also call for coordinated action as Europe’s wine sector faces market and climate challenges. 

During a debate with European Commissioner Christophe Hansen on 2 July, local and regional leaders called for a stronger regional focus in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027, urging greater territorial involvement in CAP governance and support tailored to local needs. In two key opinions adopted at the July Plenary Session of the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), they highlighted the vital role of local authorities in creating a competitive, fair, and sustainable European agricultural and wine sector. 

With the CAP post-2027 expected to undergo a deep reform within the upcoming EU long-term budget (Multiannual Financial Framework - MFF), concerns have arisen over proposals to shift budget control to national governments by merging funds and reallocating resources. Local and regional representatives advocate for enhanced cooperation across all levels of governance and for a prominent role of regions in shaping CAP policies to effectively address local needs while ensuring fair competition. 

While it welcomes the European Commission’s proposal to better targeted public support towards vulnerable farmers, including when facing natural constraints or starting new companies and productions, the opinion, which was drafted by Joke Schauvliege (BE/EPP), recommends amending further the common market organisation to guarantee farmers prices that at least cover production costs, alongside reduced bureaucracy and fair market regulations. CoR members emphasise that farmers and stockbreeders must be central to EU agricultural policies and call for stronger regional involvement in shaping a resilient, fair, and sustainable agri-food system by 2040 to reflect territorial needs. 

On rural development, regions and cities urge improved coordination of EU funds and greater support for community-led initiatives. They advocate for ambitious policies that promote sustainable food systems, with active engagement from local authorities, complemented by stronger environmental and social measures. 

The discussion with Commissioner Hansen also elaborated on the wine sector’s significant economic and cultural importance, especially in rural areas. CoR members welcomed the European Commission proposals and called for regional support to tackle challenges such as evolving consumer trends, geopolitical tensions, and extreme weather events. Local leaders also emphasised the need for improved market regulations and stronger protections for wine producers. 

The opinion led by Roberto Ciambetti (IT/ECR), President of the Veneto Regional Council, further urges better synergy between the CAP and cohesion policies to enhance vineyard water resilience. It recommends using unspent sector funds to strengthen crisis management efforts, ensuring a competitive, sustainable, and regionally rooted European wine sector. 

Quotes 

Joke Schauvliege (BE/EPP), member of the Provincial Executive of East Flanders and rapporteur on the CoR vision for agriculture and food: "The Vision for Agriculture and Food of the European Commission is a priority initiative to ensure fair incomes for farmers, to strongly support young farmers and to revise the Unfair Trading Practices Directive. Farmers play a crucial role in ensuring food security, sovereignty and rural cohesion over Europe. Agriculture thus forms a very important strategic sector. The CoR, by this opinion, wishes to highlight the need of strengthening the regional dimension within the Common Agricultural Policy and simplifying administrative processes." 

Roberto Ciambetti (IT/ECR), President of the Veneto Regional Council and rapporteur on the opinion on market rules and support measures in the wine sector: "The package of measures put forward by the European Commission to support our wine sector is a long-awaited initiative and is both very timely and urgent in this period of economic stagnation, extreme weather challenges, and growing global trade uncertainty. With these measures, the sector will have greater flexibility, with simplified funding procedures and the removal of penalties for failure to use authorisations. I hope that these measures will help to secure the future of Europe's winegrowers who sustain local economies and contribute to the preservation of European cultural heritage." 

European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen: "The Commission’s new vision rightly recognises that agriculture is not just about food—it’s about people, regional identities, it’s about security, and about the future of our planet. But this vision must be matched with real commitment. As discussions begin on the next CAP and the post-2027 EU budget, we must sound the alarm: without strong, sustained investment and fair conditions, this vision risks becoming just another paper promise. Local and regional authorities see firsthand the pressures farmers face and likewise the pressure of these sectors on nature. We know that resilience cannot be built on shrinking support. The future of sustainable agriculture depends on bold choices today. We call on EU leaders to ensure that the next CAP and MFF empower our farmers, protect our environment, and keep rural Europe alive.”

Background 

• Video and photos from the session.  

• Building on the report of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, and in consultation with the European Board for Agriculture and Food (EBAF), the Vision for Agriculture and Food sets the direction of travel for the EU’s agri-food policy over the next five years and beyond. It puts a strong focus on boosting competitiveness, reducing dependencies on critical imports, and ensuring food security. 

• The NAT commission in close collaboration with the coalition of the AGRI Regions evaluated the adding value of the interventions design at regional level. The added value of the regional interventions is clearly reported in the results of the REGHUB consultation on the regional dimension of the CAP.  

• The European Commission is expected to present its proposal for the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) on 16 July 2025. This proposal will outline the EU's long-term budget for the period starting in 2028. The CoR put forward its decalogue of key demands to the European Commission, calling for a strong and modernised Cohesion Policy, a new emergency fund and simplified rules: press release.  

Contact 

Hélène Dressen
Tel: +32 471502795
Helene.dressen@cor.europa.eu