
EU Friday – 16 May
Welcome to Better Europe's weekly update on EU Affairs. FARMERS GET THEIR OWN OMNIBUS TO 'SIMPLIFY' AGRICULTURAL POLICY The Commission’s latest Omnibus package promises €1.5 billion in annual savings for farmers, but critics say the only thing being cut is environmental ambition. Dubbed a simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the proposal relaxes environmental regulations and gives member states more leeway on farm aid. Key changes include raising the flat-rate payment for small farmers from €1,250 to €2,500 and exempting them from several environmental requirements. Protections for peatlands and waterways are now at the discretion of each country, and crisis payments could replace preventive climate measures. Critics warn that the easing of environmental safeguards, designed to protect soil, water, and biodiversity, risks making farms more fragile amid growing climate…