The ECR Group in the European Parliament welcomes the European Commission’s new package to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and reduce administrative burdens for farmers.

These reforms address long-standing demands for reduced bureaucracy and for clarity, flexibility and efficiency to be restored to EU agricultural policy.

ECR Coordinator in the Agriculture Committee Carlo Fidanza MEP stated:

“This is a long-overdue step in the right direction. Europe’s farmers have been held back for too long by excessive paperwork, unclear rules and rigid procedures. Reducing bureaucracy must become a reality if we want our agricultural sector to remain competitive, innovative and appealing to future generations.

“We welcome the fact that the Commission has finally listened to farmers. These proposals go some way towards restoring trust. However, real simplification must be permanent, not occasional. We need a CAP that empowers farmers, not one that constantly monitors them.”

The Commission’s package includes measures to simplify conditionality requirements, reduce on-site inspections and introduce streamlined payments for small farms. It also proposes new tools to boost resilience and facilitate investment in rural areas.

The ECR Group has consistently advocated for less bureaucracy. In its vision for the future of agriculture, the ECR Group calls for policies that reward effort, promote European quality products and strengthen food sovereignty.

“Let this be the beginning of a deeper rethink. Farmers are not administrators; they are producers, innovators and stewards of our land. Europe should support them with simple rules, a fair income, and the freedom to farm”, said Fidanza.

Fidanza added:

“Cutting red tape is not a favour – it’s a prerequisite for a competitive and resilient farming sector.

“We welcome the Commission’s move. Now let’s turn this into a long-term shift towards smarter, simpler rules.

“Farmers need support, not surveillance. Simplification must be the rule, not the exception.”

The ECR Group will continue to work to ensure that future agricultural reforms reflect these principles.