The European Parliament gave its final green light on Tuesday to the EU’s vast farm subsidy program despite the opposition of environmentalists, who denounced its terms as “greenwashing.” This is reported by ProAgro Group with reference to Global Times.
The sums involved are huge. The common agricultural policy, or CAP, runs to 387 billion euros ($472 billion) over seven years – a third of the EU’s total multi-year budget – with 270 billion euros going in direct aid to Europe’s farmers.
The EU’s spending bonanza will come into effect in 2023 and France remains the main beneficiary country. MEPs overwhelmingly voted in favor of the three texts that made up the total subsidy package.
The reform, which took months to conclude with EU members, pays premiums to farmers who partake in greener activities, use more environmentally friendly techniques or help improve animal welfare.
In theory, member states will have to devote an average of 25 percent per year of direct payments to these “eco-regimes” between 2023 and 2027, with the possibility of devoting only 20 percent in the first two years.
Critics argue that the vast majority of subsidies come without climate-friendly conditions or oversight and that the green aspects have been watered down since the previous multi-year package.
The proposal now goes back to EU member states for a final vote, before it officially goes into effect.
