Debates over the EU’s forthcoming long-term financial framework, Ukraine’s bid for EU membership, and soaring fertiliser prices have once again thrust European farmers into the political limelight. As the EU shifts its attention towards defence and international trade, will it be able to continue addressing farmers’ demands? MEPs discuss in The Ring.
Over the past two years, farmers across Europe have voiced their discontent through numerous protests, driven by high operating expenses, strict environmental regulations, and new EU trade agreements which farmers argue jeopardise their income.
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Presently, the obstacles confronting them appear to be intensifying.
In this week’s episode of The Ring, Euronews’ political debate program, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Ciaran Mullooly from Renew Europe and Pekka Toveri of the European People’s Party (EPP) present contrasting views on how the EU might uphold support for farmers amid increasingly complex geopolitical pressures.
Ciaran Mullooly insists that the existing level of agricultural subsidies must remain intact in the upcoming EU long-term budget negotiations taking place among EU capitals. Currently, an impressive 30% of the EU budget is allocated to farming sectors.
Conversely, Pekka Toveri highlights the significant security threat faced by Finland, his homeland, stressing the necessity for the EU to reconsider its budget priorities.
«While the significance of food security and agriculture is recognised, the threat from Russia, extending beyond just the eastern border, cannot be overlooked,» MEP Toveri explains.
«Therefore, it is essential to strengthen security and defence, which requires contributions from all sectors, including agriculture.»
The discussion also covers how Ukraine’s rapid EU integration could affect the subsidies currently provided to European farmers.
Ukraine possesses around 40 million hectares of farmland — a territory exceeding Italy’s size. Joining the EU, it would represent approximately 20% of Europe’s cereal production.
Mullooly firmly opposes any reduction of subsidies for existing European farmers to make room for Ukraine’s integration.
«I am completely against any cuts to our subsidies or single farm payments,» he asserts.
«This stance does not ignore Ukraine’s invitation to join or the valuable contribution its farmers could offer Europe; however, at full capacity, Ukraine’s production would equal the combined output of France and Italy.»
Toveri agrees but emphasises the EU’s need for a tailored approach: «Ukraine is a distinct case, and a special solution must be devised.»
Both MEPs also address climate change challenges facing agricultural communities, agreeing that farmers play a vital role in environmental preservation.
Referring to Finnish farmers, MEP Toveri remarks: «They have inhabited the land for centuries, hold deep knowledge of nature, and genuinely care for it. Finns do not aim to harm the environment simply for farming.»
Mullooly shares this perspective: «Farmers have traditionally acted as guardians of the environment. For generations, my family and others have defended natural habitats and participated in environmental programs.»
Furthermore, both highlight concerns over the rising average age of EU farmers, urging increased efforts to attract younger generations into agriculture. Mullooly called for an expanded EU agricultural budget to facilitate retirements and promote the entry of young farmers.
This episode of The Ring is hosted by Mared Gwyn, produced by Luis Albertos Altarejos, Amaia Echevarria, and Lauren Walker, with editing by Vassilis Glynos.
Contact: [email protected].