Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan Meets EU Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen to Discuss the Future of the CAP

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan recently met with Christophe Hansen, the European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, at the Victoria Palace. The visit took place in the context of the European Commission’s ongoing negotiations on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028–2034, published in July 2025.

During the talks, the Romanian Prime Minister emphasized the need for a balanced approach to European agricultural policies that takes into account the specific characteristics of each Member State. Ilie Bolojan highlighted that Romania continues to face significant structural deficits in key sectors such as pork production and processing capacity. This imbalance results in the export of raw materials and import of finished products, weakening the competitiveness of Romanian producers.

“We need investments that support the diversification of agricultural production, the development of modern infrastructure, and the association of local producers. These measures are essential to increase the added value created in Romania and to reduce the trade deficit in the agri-food sector,” the Prime Minister stated, according to a government press release.

For his part, Commissioner Christophe Hansen presented the strategic directions proposed by the European Commission for the next financial period. The priorities include support for small and family farms, encouraging the installation of young farmers, developing rural areas, and assisting large farms through investments in modern technologies — from digitalization to irrigation systems.

Prime Minister Bolojan advocated for maintaining a strong budget for the CAP, as some Member States have suggested reducing European agricultural funds. He also stressed that efficient access to EU financing must be based on realistic rules, adapted to each country’s level of economic development.

Romania continues to support the separate management of CAP and Cohesion Funds, arguing that they play distinct but complementary roles in promoting rural and regional development.

Negotiations on the MFF 2028–2034 will continue over the next two years, and their outcome will be decisive for the future of European agriculture, shaping the ability of Romanian farmers to access the resources needed for modernization and sustainable growth.

(Photo: Freepik)