On 16 July 2025, the European Commission presented the first part of its proposal for the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), alongside initial plans for the EU’s next long-term budget (2028–2034). While the Commission promises more simplification and flexibility for farmers, the proposal has triggered alarm across many interest groups due to significant cuts to farm subsidies.

Under the new Multiannual Financial Framework, the CAP is expected to see a sharp reduction of nearly €20 billion compared to the current budget. FACE is calling on the Commission to ensure that biodiversity and small game conservation are not sidelined in the next CAP. With more than 80% of EU habitats in poor condition and widespread declines in small game populations, FACE stresses that agricultural policy must actively support the recovery of Europe’s rural ecosystems.

FACE’s key recommendations include:

• Enhanced eco-schemes that reward the creation of high-quality habitats;
• Payment mechanisms for farmers who preserve biodiversity-rich features such as hedgerows, wetlands, and fallow land;
• Support for High Nature Value (HNV) farming and sustainable practices such as agroecology and conservation agriculture;
• Result-based agri-environmental schemes with adequate financial incentives.

Despite growing political pressures to “cut red tape” and ease environmental conditions on farmers, FACE urges EU leaders not to sacrifice nature. A strong CAP that supports biodiversity is not only vital for wildlife, but also for the resilience of farming and the sustainability of rural communities.