V4 Countries Call for Agricultural Reform
The agricultural chambers of the Visegrad 4+ countries have come together to agree on a joint action plan, as revealed by the Chamber of Agriculture (NAK) in a recent meeting in Falenty, Poland. Representatives from the Polish National Council of Agricultural Chambers, the Czech Agrarian Chamber, the Slovak Agriculture and Food Chamber, the Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture (NAK), and the Lithuanian Chamber of Agriculture were in attendance.
During the event held between February 10-11, the agricultural chambers discussed the priorities of the Polish EU presidency. They emphasized the importance of food security and the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027. Simplifying CAP procedures, strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain, and ensuring food of appropriate quality were key topics of discussion.
Maintaining a robust CAP budget with an expanded crisis reserve for extreme weather events was highlighted as crucial for the future of EU agriculture. The representatives also expressed optimism about the changes in the EU’s agricultural policy and called for an action plan from the European Commission that considers the legitimate expectations of farmers.
Concerns were raised about the liberalization of trade with Ukraine, with the expiration of temporary protective measures in June 2025 posing a potential threat to agriculture in Central and Eastern European countries. The participants highlighted the destabilizing effect of cheap agricultural products from Ukraine on the EU market.
In response to these challenges, the V4+ agricultural chambers are prepared to take joint action, including the possibility of a joint farmers’ protest. They also addressed the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, cautioning against allowing agricultural products that do not meet EU standards into the common market.
Overall, the representatives of the V4+ agricultural chambers are calling for protective mechanisms to safeguard European farmers’ interests. They are ready to collaborate and take unified action to address the threats posed by trade agreements and ensure the future sustainability of EU agriculture.
