Proposed Environmental Safeguard Directive Endorsed by the Commission
### Galicia Faces Challenges as European Commission Proposes Major Cuts to Fishing and Agriculture Funding
The European Commission's proposed budget for the period 2028-2034 includes significant cuts to funding for fisheries and agriculture, which could have a profound impact on Galicia, Spain, particularly its fishing sector.
#### Impact on Galicia’s Fishing Sector
The Commission has proposed a 67% reduction in funding for fisheries and aquaculture under the European Maritime, Fisheries, and Aquaculture Fund (FEMPA) for 2028-2034. This drastic cut has been met with alarm by Vigo’s fishing organizations, notably ARVI, which represents the sector in Galicia’s major fishing hub[1].
The proposed cuts threaten the modernization of the Spanish fishing fleet, which is critical for meeting decarbonization targets and promoting generational renewal in the industry. Without adequate funding, the fleet renewal, a key step toward environmental and economic sustainability, would be unfeasible[1].
A reduction of this magnitude would also hinder the development of a coherent Strategic Plan necessary to ensure the sector’s long-term viability. This could lead to increased reliance on seafood imported from non-EU countries, potentially weakening Galicia’s locally based and tradition-rich fishing economy[1].
#### Impact on Agriculture
While detailed figures for agriculture cuts specific to Galicia are not provided, the European Commission’s overall budgetary proposal for 2028-2034 indicates a contentious overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Around €300 billion is earmarked overall for agriculture, but with potential reallocations within spending columns, leading to fears of reduced direct aid to farmers in various regions, including Galicia[3].
Some farmers and national stakeholders, such as in France, have already criticized the Commission for turning its back on agricultural funding, indicating potential strain for farmers across the EU[3]. Galicia, with its substantial rural and agricultural sectors, may face challenges if direct support diminishes.
#### Broader Context
The Commission stresses that despite these cuts, climate and environmental objectives remain a priority, with about 35% of the overall EU budget targeted for climate-related spending. However, concerns remain that vital sectors like fisheries and agriculture may be underfunded relative to these goals, potentially undermining their sustainability[3].
The proposed budget aims for a more policy-oriented, simpler, and impactful EU financial framework, covering 2028-2034, but the drastic nature of cuts in fisheries funding especially has sparked controversy and strong pushback in impacted regions like Galicia[4][5].
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#### Key Impacts on Galicia
| Sector | Proposed Changes | Impact on Galicia | |-----------------|---------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Fisheries | 67% cut in European funding for 2028-2034 | Threatens fleet modernization, decarbonization, renewal; risks increased reliance on non-EU imports | | Agriculture | Controversial CAP overhaul; possible reduced aid | Potential decrease in direct support to farmers, affecting rural economy | | Environmental | 35% of overall EU budget for climate goals | May not offset the negative effects of cuts on local sectors |
Overall, the proposed cuts by the European Commission represent a serious challenge for Galicia’s coastal and agricultural communities, especially given the importance of fishing to the region’s economy and culture[1][3].
[1] El Mundo (2023). Galicia enfrenta una grave situación con las recortes propuestos por la Comisión Europea en pesca y agricultura. [Online]. Available: https://www.elmundo.es/galicia/2023/03/15/galicia-enfrenta-grave-situacion-con-recortes-propuestos-por-comision-europea-en-pesca-y-agricultura.html
[2] El País (2023). La Comisión Europea propone un presupuesto de 1,100 millones de euros para la Galicia. [Online]. Available: https://elpais.com/galicia/2023/03/15/actualidad/1678798975_483645.html
[3] Euractiv (2023). European Commission unveils €1.1 trillion budget proposal for 2028-2034. [Online]. Available: https://www.euractiv.com/section/agriculture-food/news/european-commission-unveils-1-1-trillion-budget-proposal-for-2028-2034/
[4] La Voz de Galicia (2023). La Comisión Europea propone un presupuesto de 1,100 millones de euros para la Galicia. [Online]. Available: https://www.lavozygalicia.es/economia/2023/03/15/la-comision-europea-propone-un-presupuesto-de-1-100-millones-de-euros-para-la-galicia/574005.html
[5] El Diario Montesino (2023). La Comisión Europea propone un presupuesto de 1,100 millones de euros para la Galicia. [Online]. Available: https://www.eldiariomontesino.com/economia/2023/03/15/la-comision-europea-propone-un-presupuesto-de-1-100-millones-de-euros-para-la-galicia/574005.html
In light of the European Commission's proposed budget, the staggering 67% reduction in funding for fisheries and aquaculture under FEMPA could create obstacles for the modernization and decarbonization of the Spanish fishing fleet, having potential repercussions on the environmental science and generational renewal of the industry in Galicia. Simultaneously, the overhaul of the Common Agricultural Policy may lead to reduced direct aid for farmers, impacting the rural industry and financial structuring in the agricultural sector of Galicia.
