Stefano Bonaccini, member of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee after having served as President of Emilia Romagna for many years, spoke at the Coldiretti forum at the end of November. He reiterated his strong support for the new European Commission, emphasizing the need to ensure cohesion and strengthen Europe’s role in the global geopolitical context. He stressed the importance of avoiding isolated policies among member states, pointing out that a weak Europe would be easily marginalized by powers such as the USA, China, and India.

Bonaccini announced that he will be the Agriculture Committee’s reporter for the EU budget proposal and, in this role, he will oppose any cuts to the CAP, which would reduce support for agricultural policies. He also proposed the introduction of a new pillar dedicated to the management of climate and environmental risks, with 1.8 billion euros to provide reinsurance instruments.

Bonaccini also discussed the Green Deal and ecological transition, highlighting the need to balance environmental concerns with job protection to avoid deindustrialization. The MEP emphasized the urgency of a more effective fight against counterfeiting and the need for reciprocity in global markets, which is essential to protect Italy’s agri-food sector.