France seeks to maintain PAC funding

France plans to ensure that no cuts are made to its support for farmers under the next Common Agricultural Policy (PAC), despite a projected 13 percent reduction in its overall PAC budget. The government has pledged that "not a single cent will be missing from the PAC" during negotiations on the EU's 2028-2034 budget.

Two funding options under consideration

To keep the current level of income support for farmers, France has two potential strategies: either negotiate a higher allocation of European funds for its PAC budget or use part of a "free envelope" of 27 billion euros from its national and regional partnership plan (PPNR). These funds are part of a larger 300 billion euro EU budget for agriculture and regional development.

Negotiations with the EU ahead

France will need to push for its interests during upcoming talks between EU leaders on the multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2028-2034, which will take place in November and December. President Emmanuel Macron has expressed support for an "ambitious" EU budget, though one that would be funded by new sources of revenue.

Calls for policy changes in PAC

The French government is also advocating for changes to the PAC, including reducing the share of costs that member states must cover and making the policy more adaptable to local needs. These proposals aim to simplify the PAC while still supporting agricultural production.

Next steps for France’s PAC plan

After the EU budget is finalized, France will begin discussions with the European Parliament on the future of the PAC in early 2027. The government is expected to submit its first draft of the national and regional partnership plan to the European Commission by July 2027, with a possible transition year for the new PAC.