Nicu Ștefănuță: "The European budget for agriculture must support small farmers, not large farms."
Brussels, November 11, 2025 — MEP Nicu Ștefănuță stated for 2eu.brussels that the revision of the European Union's multiannual budget must protect the interests of Romanian farmers, especially small and medium-sized farmers. The parliamentarian supports a balanced reform of agricultural subsidies and rejects the idea of "nationalized packages" that could limit the flexibility of European programs aimed at rural development.
"Our position is linear and unified. I support what Siegfried Mureșan said: I am not in favor of these nationalized packages, because they reduce certain possibilities where Romania can score, such as rural development. Our position as MEPs, despite ideological differences, is similar."
said Ștefănuță.
He emphasized that the EU budget must remain "serious, solid, and oriented towards the real needs of farmers," at a time when the agricultural sector is facing the effects of climate change and increasing pressures related to competitiveness and sustainability.
"I support a larger budget for agriculture, important for Romanian farmers. The difference is that I am more with small farmers, with short supply chains, and less with large farmers from the Great Island of Brăila."
added the MEP.
Ștefănuță explained that one of his priorities is to limit subsidies per person, to avoid concentrating European financial support in the hands of a few large landowners, while small farmers are left without resources.
"I am in favor of limiting subsidies per person, so that we do not have situations like that of Stănescu, with millions and millions for reeds. We need to support small farmers, those who produce naturally, with short supply chains, who feed the towns."
he stated.
The MEP reminded that Romania has a strategic interest in maintaining a well-funded Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as it ensures the economic stability of the Romanian village and allows the transition to a greener and more efficient agriculture.
"There is a need for a fair agricultural budget that encourages sustainability, but also competitiveness. We cannot talk about a green transition without financially supporting farmers who cultivate responsibly."
he added.
Ștefănuță also said that he will continue to promote in the European Parliament solutions that bring more direct support for small farmers and local food chains, instead of disproportionate subsidies for large farms.
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