After a year in which tractors
and farmers ravaged the capital of Europe, European citizens'
support for the CAP could not be stronger: Brussels is cashing
in on the fact that, in 2024, public awareness of the main
source of funding for farmers reached its highest level since
2007 and that, for over 70% of those interviewed the EU, through
the CAP, is "successfully" playing its role in providing
healthy, sustainable and high-quality food for their tables.
The new CAP - which came into force in 2023 after a two-year
transition - is popular with Europeans and even more so with
Italians.
This emerges clearly from a special Eurobarometer survey
entirely dedicated to the common agricultural policy, according
to which 77% of Europeans and 82% of Italians recognize its role
in ensuring food supplies in the EU, while 66% of Europeans and
80% of Italians see its contribution to the complex fight
against climate change.
While Europeans' attachment to one of the founding community
policies may not be surprising, what is more surprising is the
positive impact that trade agreements on agriculture have,
according to the majority of interviewees.
About seven out of ten interviewees (71%) believe that such
agreements are an advantage for food consumers and Italy is
among the countries where opinions are most positive, with 80%
of interviewees considering them 'fairly' or 'very positive'.
The trust shown in the EU comes just a few weeks after the
signing of the disputed trade agreement with the South American
bloc of Mercosur (Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina),
which, instead, worries farmers and their associations.
The survey also focuses on the priorities that, according to
Europeans, should end up in the next CAP, from ensuring a stable
supply of food at reasonable prices to strengthening the role of
farmers in the supply chain.
It is a sign that the discussion on the future post-2027 CAP has
already begun at the European Commission as it is a central part
of the negotiations for the next long-term EU budget
(2028-2034).
The deadline for the proposal from the EU Executive is set by
the end of the summer, even if the most pessimistic think it
will slip to autumn. Before then, the appointment to look
forward to is set for the end of February, when the Vice
President for Cohesion, Raffaele Fitto, will present the new
'Strategic Vision for EU Agriculture', promised by Ursula von
der Leyen in her political guidelines that in July guaranteed
her an second tern.
It is a proposal that will give a first taste of how the future
Common Agricultural Policy will look.
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