Luxembourg Calls for Stronger Post-CAP 2027 Budget at EU Agriculture Council

On Monday 30 March 2026, Luxembourg's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, Martine Hansen, participated in a meeting of the European Union (EU) Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels, Belgium.

According to Luxembourg's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, Minister Hansen welcomed progress made on the European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food, one year after its implementation. She highlighted the strategic role of food sovereignty and the agri-food sector for the EU, as well as the strategy on generational renewal and the evaluation of the EU directive on unfair trading practices.

Nevertheless, the minister reiterated the need for a post-CAP 2027 budget that matches ambitions and for a clearer, simpler legislative framework, including a dedicated rural development policy. She also called for a reduction in administrative burdens and action to address ongoing regulatory fragmentation affecting farmers.

Minister Hansen said she is "eagerly awaiting" the Commission's proposals on the livestock strategy, the development of protein production and the action plan on fertilisers. She stressed the importance of reducing dependence on fertiliser imports, particularly by promoting organic fertilisers, and of preserving the viability of livestock farming, while taking into account the specific characteristics of different regions and production sectors.

The Luxembourg minister also lamented that EU impact assessments of legislative proposals do not sufficiently consider the repercussions on agricultural productivity and food sovereignty.

In the current geopolitical context, diversifying free trade agreements should increase market opportunities for producers and diversify sources of supply for agricultural raw materials that are scarce in Europe, the minister noted. However, she stressed that the application of the principle of reciprocity in production standards is essential and that safeguard clauses are needed to prevent potential abuses.

"The volatility and unpredictability of the markets and the energy sector require us to be vigilant. I call on the Commission to activate the market management tools at our disposal as soon as necessary," Minister Hansen stated.

Although Luxembourg has so far been spared from Lumpy Skin Disease, a viral disease affecting cattle, discussions also took place on the sidelines of the Council meeting to prepare Belgium-Luxembourg cooperation in the event of a crisis.