European Commission Unveils Strategic Reset of Agricultural Policy to Restore Sector Competitiveness

A Pragmatic Shift for EU Agriculture

After years of pressure from farmers and several Member States, the European Commission is proposing a strategic reset of the EU’s agricultural policy, aiming to restore the competitiveness of a sector hit by crises, burdensome regulations, and unfair competition from non-EU countries.

Presented as part of the new initiative on the future of the agri-food sector, the reform is Brussels’ response to social unrest in rural areas and stagnant agricultural incomes.

According to a report published by Euractiv, the Commission is targeting a range of actions designed to simplify existing rules, encourage innovation and investment, and better balance environmental objectives with the economic realities farmers face.

Green policies, long perceived as top-down impositions with little consultation on the ground, will be rethought under the new plan, which advocates for a more “pragmatic” and “balanced” approach.

Making Subsidies Work for Farmers

A central pillar of the reform is the revision of access conditions for Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) subsidies, so they better reflect the needs of small and medium-sized producers. The Commission acknowledges that the CAP, in its current form, has become overly bureaucratic and poorly suited to new global challenges—from climate change to market volatility.

The reform also includes a redefinition of environmental compliance criteria. Instead of a punitive approach for farmers unable to meet all standards, the Commission intends to promote positive incentives—supporting the green transition through assistance, not enforcement.

Protecting the Internal Market

Another key aspect of the plan is shielding the internal market from imports that do not meet EU standards. Farmers and industry groups have repeatedly warned about the harmful effects of cheap products from third countries that undermine European competitiveness. The Commission now pledges stricter control of trade agreements and closer monitoring of compliance with environmental and phytosanitary regulations.

Investing in Innovation

The initiative also places strong emphasis on digitalisation and research. Agricultural technology is seen as a viable path to increasing production efficiency while reducing environmental impact. Planned investments include artificial intelligence, soil sensors, smart irrigation systems, and advanced farm management platforms.

A Contested but Necessary Reform

Despite the reform’s moderate tone, it has sparked debate. Some environmentalists worry that, under political pressure, climate goals could be weakened. Meanwhile, farmers’ organisations see the plan as a step in the right direction—but call for more: concrete guarantees for income protection and genuine involvement of producers in policymaking.

The Commission’s message is clear: if the European Union wants agriculture that is both sustainable and economically viable, it must rethink how it supports its producers—not through rule-making alone, but through collaboration. Not through isolation, but by integrating farmers into the continent’s broader ambitions.

As EU officials told Euractiv, “The future of European agriculture must be one of balance—between environment, economy, and community.” This reform may well be the starting point for the long-awaited renewal of the sector.