The European Conservatives and Reformists Group has called on the European Commission to safeguard and strengthen the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), warning against any attempt to reduce funding in the upcoming legislative proposal for the 2028–2034 period.

Speaking during a debate in the European Parliament with Commissioner Christophe Hansen, ECR Agriculture Coordinator Carlo Fidanza MEP said the CAP must be treated not simply as an economic instrument, but as a strategic pillar for Europe’s stability and sovereignty.

“The CAP must be defended and strengthened,” Fidanza told the chamber. “Because the food that we produce, is not just an economic tool, but it is a guarantee for stability and autonomy throughout the entire EU.”

Fidanza emphasised that food security could no longer be taken for granted, pointing to war at Europe’s borders, pressure on global supply chains, and extreme natural events.

“Food is not just a good, it is strategic,” Fidanza continued. “And we cannot accept that we depend on third countries increasingly if we want enough good, healthy, nutritious food for our citizens.”

Fidanza warned that any proposal to cut the CAP budget would be unacceptable: “Therefore, any proposal of a cut to the CAP within or without the single fund will be not only unacceptable but short-sighted.”

Calling for a modernised CAP that supports those who work the land, he said: “We must defend our farmers. If we don’t, then we put our rural areas at risk and give much of our sovereignty to external forces.”

Fidanza underlined the importance of focusing support on producers who are committed to innovation, quality, and sustainability.

Turning to trade policy, Fidanza cautioned against unfair competition and stressed the importance of reciprocal standards. “We cannot have agreements that do not have reciprocity, especially in the context of increased extreme natural events,” he said.

“We need to make sure that we are supporting those who invest in sustainability. This is the CAP that we request and that we will defend, as has been requested by millions of our European farmers.”

The European Commission is expected to present its legislative proposal for the future CAP later this month.