site.btaMinister Tahov: Keeping Current CAP Budget Is Critically Important for Bulgaria

Maintaining the current level of funding for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) is of critical importance for Bulgaria, Agriculture Minister Georgi Tahov said during a meeting with European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, and agricultural producers, held at the European Commission Representation in Sofia.

He added that the proposed financial package for Bulgaria, reduced by more than 20% for the period after 2027, is unacceptable and would significantly hinder the achievement of the goals for a competitive and sustainable agricultural policy.

Minister Tahov recalled that the national debate on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy in Bulgaria began months ago, with active discussions being held with all stakeholders regarding the European Commission's proposals.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Food works in close cooperation with industry organizations. We are working together through a transparent dialogue, including in the formation of the national position on the future of the CAP. That position must be tailored to the needs of our farmers, ensure targeted and sufficient financial resources, and be based on the successful and reliable two-pillar model,” the Minister stressed.

According to him, implementing the Single National Plan approach, instead of simplification, would result in a more complex structure and decision-making process, as well as uncertainty among agricultural producers.

“That’s why we believe that CAP should not be part of the Single Fund,” Minister Tahov stated firmly, adding that maintaining the current levels of environmental ambition requires equivalent levels of support for farmers.

“The proposed national co-financing for measures that are currently 100% funded by the EU under the present CAP creates a basis for funding gaps, distorts competition, and undermines the common character of the policy,” Tahov added.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of financing the processing of agricultural products and investments in irrigation infrastructure beyond the farm level. In his view, these activities must be explicitly included among the eligible measures for financing in the future CAP.

"With regard to the financial rules, Bulgaria defends the position of retaining the N+3 rule, which provides flexibility and better planning for investment measures. The proposal for automatic decommitment of funds under the N+1 rule requires reconsideration," explained Minister Tahov.

The Ministry will continue to defend the national position at upcoming meetings with the European Commission and EU Member States.

“We are confident that a stable and predictable policy framework will preserve the vitality of the agricultural sector and ensure its sustainable development,” said the Minister.

In conclusion, he expressed confidence that through active dialogue with the European Commission and other Member States, a fair Common Agricultural Policy can be achieved.

During the meeting, Commissioner Hansen discussed with producers and stakeholders from the agricultural sector topics related to the future Common Agricultural Policy of the EU, local-level challenges, and opportunities for effective solutions.

Agricultural sector representatives were given the opportunity to raise questions and proposals to Commissioner Hansen in connection with the CAP debate and the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework. They emphasized the need to equalize subsidies for farmers across EU Member States and insisted on securing additional funding for irrigation.

Farmers’ organizations also raised the issue of compensation for the consequences of the war in Ukraine.

The chair of the parliamentary committee on agriculture, food and forestry, Tsveta Karayancheva, also took part in the meeting. She stressed that an in-depth understanding of local characteristics and regional specifics of agriculture in the Member States is crucial when planning the new CAP.

“Our common goal should be to strengthen food security and move towards a more sustainable and independent food system. From this perspective, Bulgarian agriculture has enormous potential, and its utilization is in the interest of the EU,” Karayancheva noted.

During the event, Minister Tahov congratulated Bulgarian farmer Albina Yasinskaya from the Rozino organic farm, who is this year’s winner in the category “Best Female Organic Farmer” in the EU Organic Awards 2025.