Directing resources within a common framework often leads to political competition between parties and ministries. However, following a model of sustainable policy is essential for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) to be implemented systematically, regardless of the domestic political climate," stated Bulgarian Minister of Agriculture and Food, Ivan Hristanov, during a meeting with the Visegrad Four, Romania, and Bulgaria in Budapest.
Minister Hristanov emphasized that the CAP is a fundamental and irreplaceable pillar of the EU. He noted that the meeting aimed to unite the participating countries' visions rather than seek confrontation with other Member States. "Agriculture feeds over 400 million Europeans and serves as the foundation for the processing and tourism industries. Our primary task is to guarantee affordable food and security for the population. At the same time, farmers must feel successful and empowered, not as though they are begging for funds," he stressed.
Hristanov called for a strong, well funded, and independent CAP that prioritizes food security and strategic autonomy, noting that new crises often emerge before previous ones are resolved. He also highlighted the importance of external convergence, pointing to the tension caused by support disparities between Member States. "Countries with smaller economies but larger areas of arable land cannot bridge these gaps using only national funds," he explained.
Regarding investment, the Minister supported retaining the N+3 rule, arguing that an N+1 mechanism fails to stimulate long-term investments in education, innovation, irrigation, and hail control. He also raised the issue of co-financing for agri-environmenttal measures, stressing that decisions must remain with those responsible for their implementation.
On the topic of production costs, Hristanov noted that while Bulgaria’s two fertilizer plants ensure availability, prices remain volatile and rising, which directly affects food costs. He warned that wheat and milk purchase prices are currently too low and that high fuel prices are draining farmer liquidity. "Farmers are buying day-to-day because they lack capital. We are working to accelerate direct payments to improve liquidity, as many are currently focused on survival rather than long-term investment," he said.
He also addressed the issue of "imitation products," noting that while consumers prefer authentic goods, low prices often drive them toward substitutes that can be difficult to distinguish from the real thing.
Finally, Hristanov reminded the group that as a border country, Bulgaria plays a critical role in preventing animal diseases, such as foot-and-mouth disease, from entering the EU. He called for strengthened expert assistance for border control and urged the European Commission to deepen relations with international markets that accept European goods.
The meeting concluded with the ministers of the Visegrad Four, Bulgaria, and Romania signing a joint declaration on the Multiannual Financial Framework after 2027. They called for robust funding under both Pillars of the CAP to guarantee farmer income security and warned that shifting eco-schemes to national co-financing would undermine sustainability goals.
Agriculture Minister Ivan Hristanov, along with Visegrad Four and Romanian counterparts, has called for maintaining 100% EU funding for agricultural eco-schemes after 2027 to ensure sustainability and equity. The joint declaration, advocating for stable funding and external convergence to support farmers against rising costs, will be presented at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on March 30, 2026.