Denmark is facing a unique opportunity to shape Europe’s green future when the country takes over the EU presidency in 2025. This is a golden chance to reform the extensive agricultural subsidy that has been a central but controversial element in the EU budget for years. Connie Hedegaard, former Minister for the Environment and current chair of the green think tank Concito, urges Denmark to use its position to promote a more sustainable agricultural policy.
A third of the EU’s total budget goes to agriculture, and this massive support has long been a subject of debate. With a new EU Parliament on the horizon and negotiations for the next seven-year budget in sight, the time has come to address the fundamental challenges in agricultural support, according to Hedegaard. She suggests that support should be more closely linked to environmental and climate commitments.
The upcoming expansion of the EU with Ukraine as a potential new member state further emphasizes the need for reforms. Ukraine is a major agricultural nation, and integrating the country into the EU will require significant adjustments in agricultural policy. Hedegaard acknowledges that it will not be an easy task. The history of French farmers’ tractor demonstrations that led the EU to roll back environmental requirements clearly demonstrates the political challenges.
Nevertheless, it is essential that the environment and sustainability are integrated into agricultural support if the EU is to meet its climate and sustainability goals. With Denmark’s presidency in 2025, the country has a strategic opportunity to set a green agenda that can shape the future of European agricultural policy. It is a chance to demonstrate leadership and commit to a future where sustainability is at the core of EU agricultural support.