Budgetary cuts foreseen in the agricultural sector

8.6.2020

Question for written answer E-003411/2020
to the Commission
Rule 138
Idoia Villanueva Ruiz (GUE/NGL), Eugenia Rodríguez Palop (GUE/NGL)

In the so-called Recovery Fund the Commission has assigned a mere 3.2% to the agricultural sector. It is foreseen that this fund will form part of the new pluriannual financial framework for the period 2021-2027, in which, furthermore, the budget assigned to the agricultural sector has been reduced by around 9.1%, dropping from EUR 383 billion at present to a proposed EUR 348 billion in the new EU budget for the period 2021-2027. Moreover, the Commission’s plan foresees a reduction in the role of the CAP within the EU’s overall budget, reducing its share of the budget from the current 35% to 19%. Spain, which receives 12% of EU funds in the sector, will be one of the Member States hardest hit.

In light of the particularly delicate situation of the agricultural sector as a result of the pandemic, a sector which has proved itself to be essential for life even in the most extreme of conditions:

Does the Commission plan on reconsidering the foreseen cuts in the agricultural sector?

Does the Commission plan on increasing aid for this primary sector which has been hit particularly hard as a result of COVID-19?

How does the Commission plan to ensure the sustainability of the produce of Europe’s farmers?