EU Agriculture Minister Highlights Farmer Concerns at Emergency Meeting
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Brussels – On January 7,2026,Latvia’s Minister of Agriculture,Armands Krauze,participated in an emergency meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers convened by the European Commission (EC) to address growing concerns over EU farmers’ competitiveness and ongoing trade issues. The meeting followed large-scale farmer protests in Brussels on December 18, 2025, signaling widespread discontent within the agricultural sector.
Pressure on EU Farmers and the CAP
Krauze emphasized the significant pressures facing EU farmers and food producers, citing high production costs and increased competition as key challenges. A central point of contention was the future of funding for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027. EU Agriculture and Food Commissioner Christoph Hansen presented a proposal that could potentially increase CAP funding in the next multi-annual budget. This proposal suggests allowing member states to allocate “frozen” funds – currently earmarked for use after a mid-term evaluation in 2031 – to CAP activities and rural development as early as 2028.
Latvia’s Position on CAP Funding
Latvia, however, voiced strong reservations about integrating the CAP into a single national and regional partnership plan and fund. Minister Krauze argued that such a move would jeopardize the strategic importance of the agricultural and food production industry and limit opportunities for direct support to farmers and rural development. he also stressed the unacceptability of continued decreases in CAP funding at the EU level. While acknowledging the EC’s proposal as a step in the right direction, Krauze maintained that it doesn’t fundamentally resolve the financing problem, as it merely redistributes existing funds rather than providing new ones.
“Sadly, this proposal puts the decision-making on the distribution of funding between different policy priorities back on the shoulders of the member states. And this is especially problematic on the eastern border of the EU, where security and defense are the main priorities. Thus, in the case of Latvia, this proposal does not necessarily guarantee additional funds for the CAP or rural areas,”
Krauze stated.
Concerns Over CAP Convergence and CBAM Regulation
The Latvian Minister also criticized the lack of progress in achieving external convergence of CAP funding.He pointed out that the current allocation formula doesn’t provide additional funding for Latvia,and warned that without a resolution by 2028,the gap in CAP support between EU member states would continue to widen.
Further concerns were raised regarding the impact of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation on fertilizer prices. Krauze argued that the CBAM would likely increase fertilizer costs, hindering rather than helping to reduce reliance on Russian imports. The EC responded by proposing a monitoring mechanism for the CBAM’s impact on the internal market, with the possibility of temporarily suspending it’s application to specific goods if unforeseen circumstances arise.
Trade and Standards
Addressing trade issues, Krauze highlighted the export potential of the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, while emphasizing the need for effective market protection measures to safeguard EU producers. He also underscored the importance of aligning production standards of third countries with EU requirements to protect competitiveness and uphold “One Health” principles.
Key Takeaways
- EU farmers are facing significant challenges due to high production costs and increased competition.
- The future of CAP funding remains a key concern, with latvia advocating for sustained and adequate financial support.
- The CBAM regulation’s potential impact on fertilizer prices is under review.
- Ensuring fair trade practices and maintaining high production standards are crucial for EU agriculture.
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