European farmers protest in Brussels over budget cuts to agriculture
Agricultural associations from across Europe gathered in Brussels on Wednesday to protest the European Commission’s proposed changes to the Multiannual Financial Framework. Around 14:00, several hundred farmers assembled at Place du Luxembourg, near the European Parliament, before marching to the European Commission headquarters at Place Schuman under police escort.
Concerns over proposed budget reforms
The protest targeted what farmers see as damaging reforms to EU agricultural policy. According to the General Farmers’ Syndicate (ABS), the Commission’s proposal for the 2028–2034 budget framework includes a 20 per cent cut to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and a plan to merge the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development into a single fund managed at the national level.
“In addition, it is proposed to merge the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development into a single central fund, which would be managed at the national level,” stated ABS, which joined the protest along with its youth wing, Jong ABS. The organisations called the proposals “hypocrisy, not sincerity.”
Broad European participation
Alongside Belgian groups such as the Farmers’ Union, ABS and the Walloon Agriculture Federation (FWA), farmer organisations from Germany, Spain, France and Portugal also took part in the demonstration. While police have not released an official count, news agency Belga estimated several hundred participants.
© BELGA VIDEO TIMON RAMBOER
The farmers argue that the CAP must remain the foundation for strategic food production across the EU and warn that national-level management risks ignoring regional differences. “After all, small-scale, family-run Flemish urban agriculture has different needs than Eastern European mega-farms,” ABS said. The group also criticised “administrative obstacles” and “a relentless drive for control,” arguing that substantial revisions are still needed.
Call to protect food security
Other organisations echoed the call to shield agricultural funding from cuts. Lode Ceyssens, chairman of the Farmers’ Union, voiced concern about the broader implications: “Everyone is talking about security in Europe these days, but we must also realise that this can't be achieved on an empty stomach. If Europe is to become stronger, it must also continue to focus on its own food production. With a strong Common Agricultural Policy.”
Ceyssens warned that underfunding agriculture could limit the sector’s ability to meet growing challenges and reduce food security across the continent. “Europeans will have less say over their own sustainable food production in Europe. In Flanders, the entire food production process will come under pressure.”
European mobilisation organised in Brussels in partnership with the Fédération Wallonne de l'Agriculture (FWA) in favour of an ambitious and inclusive Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), on Wednesday 16 July 2025.
© BELGA PHOTO TIMON RAMBOER
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