The farmers' associations of the eastern German federal states have sharply criticized the EU plans for a reform in the distribution of agricultural subsidies. The plans are a "slap in the face", said Thomas Thiele from the Saxon Farmers' Association with regard to the limitation and reduction of subsidies above certain levels. "Nowhere else did farms have to be built up as vigorously and laboriously after German reunification as here in East Germany." Now subsidies are being cut, which, according to the correct calculation, should be reaching the companies.
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented long-term plans for the European budget from 2028 to 2034 on Wednesday. Although this envisages an overall increase in the budget of 700 billion euros to two trillion euros, farmers are only to be guaranteed around 300 billion euros for this period, which corresponds to a reduction of around 20 percent.
