This is the first in a four-part series exploring key developments in EU rural and agricultural policy.
In December 2024, the Council of the European Union adopted conclusions on the future direction of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), setting the stage for a more competitive, sustainable, and farmer-focused framework beyond 2027.
The Council highlighted three central priorities:
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Ensuring food security while safeguarding fair incomes for farmers
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Maintaining affordable prices for consumers across the EU
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Equipping agriculture with resources and tools to face evolving challenges
These priorities reflect the EU’s commitment to building a CAP that is not only crisis-proof, but also able to deliver on multiple objectives at once – from climate action and biodiversity protection to supporting vibrant rural communities.
With farmers placed firmly at the heart of the policy, the conclusions stress the need to balance economic competitiveness with sustainability. This means ensuring agricultural production remains resilient, while also enabling farmers to contribute to wider EU goals such as the Green Deal and Food Security Strategy.
The future CAP is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening rural resilience, empowering farmers to adapt to market shifts, environmental pressures, and geopolitical uncertainties. By focusing on both livelihoods and long-term sustainability, the policy framework will continue to shape the backbone of Europe’s rural and agricultural landscape.
Read the full Council press release here.
