Simpler, fairer CAP rules to free farmers from bureaucracy; Prioritising investment in Europe's defence and security; EU political strategy on Latin America; Sakharov Prize

Simpler, fairer CAP rules to free farmers from bureaucracy

The ECR Group supports farmers across Europe, many of whom are complaining that they are overwhelmed by red tape that drains their time, energy and resources. The ECR Group supports a CAP simplification reform to cut unnecessary administrative burdens and let farmers focus on their fields, herds and businesses. On Wednesday, the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development will vote on this report, with the Chair, ECR MEP Veronika Vrecionová, acting as the ECR shadow rapporteur. The proposed legislation aims to increase the ceiling for annual lump-sum payments to small farmers from €1 250 to €5 000 and to exempt farms under ten hectares from complex conditionality controls, cutting red tape for the two-thirds of EU farms that are smallholdings. The ECR has also proposed boosting generational renewal by extending start-up support to new entrants and small farms and raising the aid ceiling to €75 000. Member States would gain more flexibility in environmental schemes, be able to clarify permanent grassland rules, and reduce on-farm controls through smarter, risk-based checks.

Wednesday 24 September from 15.00

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Prioritising investment in Europe’s defence and security

As rapporteur for the European Parliament’s Defence Mini-Omnibus, ECR MEP Rihards Kols has helped deliver a fast-track reform to reorient five existing EU programmes toward defence objectives - without creating new instruments or bureaucracy. The proposal, part of the ReArm Europe Plan, will be voted on by MEPs in the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) on Tuesday. It seeks to unlock targeted support for defence-related investments under Horizon Europe, Digital Europe, the European Defence Fund, the Connecting Europe Facility, and STEP. Kols’ focus throughout the negotiations has been clear: to sharpen operational relevance, accelerate the build-up of European defence production capacity and ensure military mobility infrastructure across Member States is reinforced to meet today’s security realities. Meanwhile, the ECR Group supports the SAFE defence loan instrument as an important means to boost resources to strengthen national and collective defence against emerging and evolving threats. On Thursday, the Committee on Security and Defence (SEDE) will review the status of the €150 billion plan. For the ECR Group, widening participation in SAFE to allied third countries will make the instrument more effective, deliver economies of scale for taxpayers and foster innovation in this vital sector.

Tuesday 23 September from 10.00 (ITRE)
Thursday 25 September from 09.00 (SEDE)

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EU political strategy on Latin America

On Tuesday, MEPs in the Committee on Foreign Affairs will vote on a report that seeks to contribute to the development of the European Union’s relations with Latin American countries. The ECR Group prioritises closer ties with this vibrant region across many sectors, especially critical raw materials. Our group believes the EU should accelerate efforts to cement this relationship, especially considering efforts by the EU’s strategic rivals, such as Russia and China, to expand their influence in Latin America. Our commitment to the region is evident from the recent launch of a new internal policy group to help develop a broader and more comprehensive EU approach.

Tuesday 23 September from 09.30

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Sakharov Prize

The Sahkarov Prize for Freedom of Thought is awarded each year by the European Parliament. The ECR’s nominee is jailed Polish-Belarusian journalist and activist Andrzej Poczobut. In a joint sitting with the Committee on Development and the Subcommittee on Human Rights, MEPs will consider the political groups’ nominees as they work towards agreement on the laureate. The prize will be formally awarded in December.

Tuesday 23 September from 14.30