Debates on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2028–2034 have been launched within the European Parliament Committee on Regional Development, marking the beginning of a strategic process for European agriculture and, implicitly, for Romania’s agricultural sector. The central theme is the recalibration of funding instruments so that they generate real economic development in rural areas, given that the current fragmentation of funding limits the effectiveness of interventions.

The proposals under discussion aim at an integrated approach to rural development, with at least 75% of the funds allocated to this pillar directed toward instruments that combine investments in infrastructure, local economy, and services. This orientation reflects the conclusions of analyses by the European Commission, which indicate that rural areas benefiting from integrated interventions achieve superior economic performance.

An important element is the strengthening of the LEADER instrument, considered one of the most effective mechanisms for participatory local development. By directly involving local stakeholders—farmers, authorities, SMEs, and organizations—this instrument allows funding to be tailored to the real needs of communities.

The proposed funding directions include investments in rural infrastructure, essential services, local processing, non-agricultural activities, and digitalization. The focus is on diversifying the rural economy and increasing value added at the local level, including through the development of short supply chains.

A major structural issue remains the aging of the agricultural population. According to data from Eurostat, approximately 12% of farmers in the European Union are under 40 years old, while in Romania the share is around 10.4%. The objective of the European Commission is to double this percentage by 2040.

The direction of the future CAP indicates a shift from dispersed funding toward integrated interventions with measurable economic and social impact. For Romania, implementation capacity will directly influence the competitiveness of the agricultural sector and rural development over the next decade.

(Photo: AI GENERATED)