Ahead of the summer recess, the European Parliament began work on a new “Omnibus” package—announced in May 2025—aimed at simplifying rules and procedures that are key for farmers across the EU. The package includes measures to reduce administrative burdens, simplify reporting requirements, ease rules for small farmers, and limit the frequency of inspections. According to MEP Elżbieta Łukacijewska (Civic Platform), the European Commission’s proposal reflects its willingness to listen to farmers’ concerns—an approach she says is essential in shaping future agricultural policy.
“The goal is to ensure farmers receive subsidies faster, with less red tape, fewer inspections, and simpler reporting. We’re pursuing a fast-track process so the new rules can take effect by January 2026. This is a response to the frustration and protests from farmers, who feel there are too many regulations and too much bureaucracy,” said MEP Łukacijewska in an interview with Newseria. “We all agree on the importance of environmental protection, but it must be balanced and realistic.”
European Commission Proposes Deregulation in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
In May, the European Commission proposed a set of deregulatory changes under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), aimed at reducing the administrative workload for farmers and improving their competitiveness. Key provisions include:
- Simplified payment systems for small-scale farmers.
- Increased annual flat-rate payments for small farmers to €2,500.
- Exemptions from certain environmental requirements for smallholders.
- Eligibility for eco-farming subsidies.
- Automatic recognition of certified organic farms as meeting certain EU environmental standards for subsidies.
Inspections will be modernized using satellite and digital technologies, with a new “one inspection per year per farm” rule. Financial incentives will also be offered for protecting peatlands and wetlands.
Member states’ administrations will receive support to develop interoperable digital systems. This means farmers will only need to input their data once, reducing both time and costs. National governments will also gain more flexibility in adjusting their CAP strategic plans—requiring prior Commission approval only for significant changes.
“The simplifications will apply to the current CAP funding period, but will certainly carry over into the next one,” said Łukacijewska. “We want farmers to know that environmental stewardship is not a burden, but an opportunity—linked to additional payments and rewards. Ultimately, we want to ease the complex, often stressful regulatory system they face.”
Poland Among the Biggest CAP Beneficiaries
As Łukacijewska highlighted on her social media channels, Poland—benefiting from over €25 billion under the current CAP budget—is one of the largest recipients of EU agricultural funds. These resources support not only farmers’ income but also climate and environmental goals. Over 40% of the funds allocated under Poland’s National Strategic Plan are directed toward environmental and climate-related initiatives.
“It’s good news that Poland, like other member states, will continue to receive more from the EU than it contributes—especially from cohesion and agricultural funds. Polish food is of exceptional quality, and we must protect, promote, and simplify the rules surrounding it,” she added.
From Strict Rules to Practical Adjustments
According to the MEP, for any legislation to be effective, it must be acceptable to its intended users.
“Omnibus is a sign that after initially imposing strict requirements, the EU is now adjusting them based on feedback,” she explained.
The European Commission estimates that these simplifications could save farmers up to €1.58 billion annually, while national administrations could save an additional €210 million. Payments, obligations, and crisis tools are also expected to become more flexible and easier to manage.
“EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen, understand there is a fine red line that must not be crossed. We’re all responsible for EU businesses and competitiveness. If we expect Polish and European farmers to meet high standards, we must also impose those same standards on imports from outside the EU. Otherwise, we jeopardize local jobs, revenue, and growth,” Łukacijewska emphasized. “I hope the Commission is fully aware of what voters expect—farmers remain one of the most influential voting groups across the EU.”
