Study Warns: EU Agricultural Reform Will Hit Eastern Germany Harder

State governments would likely have to contribute more money

The researchers also view the planned financing critically. In the future, environmental and rural development programs would have to be co-financed to a greater extent by member states, while income support would continue to be paid entirely from the EU budget. This could put additional pressure on countries or regions with tight budgets.

For Saxony alone, the study estimates the additional funding required at around 240 million euros to maintain the current level of support.

Researchers Recommend Changes

From the authors’ perspective, the planned cuts to large farms should not be implemented in their current form. If they were nevertheless decided upon at the EU level, the authors believe that, at the very least, exemptions should be created and the reduced funds should remain in the affected regions. In addition, the researchers advocate further developing existing environmental programs and securing their long-term funding.

Copyright 2026, dpa (www.dpa.de). All rights reserved