Proposed EU Budget will be devastating for rural Ireland, nature and farming

The Proposed EU Budget for 2028-35 must be reframed to protect farming, rural development and nature restoration. 

The Party has expressed shock and concern regarding the €1.2 trillion budget which it says will decimate the standalone CAP budget, social funds and cohesion policy to allow Member States allocate funding at their own discretion, diluting the EU’s ability to address shared challenges of climate, nature, food security and migration. It will also spell the end of the LEADER Rural Development Fund as this is proposed to be merged with direct farm payments under CAP. 

Roderic O'Gorman says that the proposed budget represented a very overt steer to the right within the commission with more money being diverted towards defence, security and competitiveness. 

“While this is the opening salvo in a lengthy process, we are concerned that the direction of travel here from the Commission, prioritises ramping up defence and competitiveness spending at the expense of the social and environmental agenda. We are calling on the Irish Government to make it’s position clear on the proposals and to engage with civil society and farm organisations here to share views on this drastic change in direction” said Deputy O Gorman.

The Green Party is concerned too that there is nothing on the table to support member state Nature Restoration Plans even though the Regulation is now in force and that farmers in particular needed certainty around long term funding mechanisms to for nature, climate and water. 

“Handing greater control to member states to set their own spending priorities will lead to inconsistencies across the Union, particularly where there are governments in countries that don’t see climate or nature as politically expedient. We need a dedicated fund to support the implementation of nature restoration plans to ensure consistency of approach and transboundary benefits” said Senator Malcolm Noonan.

Green Party European Affairs Spokesperson Ciaran Cuffe added: 

“The EU’s seven-year budget is an opportunity to align European policies with spending. While the 35% allocation for climate resilience and environment represents progress, it is insufficient to tackle the climate and biodiversity crises. In particular, the axing of the LIFE Programme leaves a yawning gap for nature protection.”