Giulia Riedo from WWF criticized the term 'simplification' as misleading, asserting that weakening natural resource protections does not alleviate the challenges farmers face, especially in light of climate events.

This push for simplification follows the European Parliament elections in June 2024, where right-wing parties gained traction, prompting a shift in focus towards regulatory simplification.

The Greens/EFA Group has called for crisis support to be prioritized without undermining preventive measures, emphasizing the need for equitable fund distribution and limits on excessive subsidies.

MEP Thomas Waitz warned against the misconception that reducing biodiversity protection can help small farms, asserting that a healthy environment is essential for sustainable agriculture.

Critics argue that the new proposal could exacerbate existing challenges faced by farmers, such as climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss, by diluting already limited environmental standards.

Additionally, the proposal weakens protections for peatlands and wetlands, enabling Member States to set compliance rules through national legislation, which could misallocate public funds and fail to enhance vital ecosystem protections.

European Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen stated that the Commission's goal is to reduce bureaucracy to help farmers focus on food production while protecting natural resources, although environmental groups warn this could increase farmers' vulnerability to climate change.

On May 14, 2025, the European Commission proposed a package aimed at simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), a move that has drawn criticism for potentially weakening environmental protections in agriculture.

Key concerns raised by environmental organizations include a proposed reduction in permanent grassland protection, allowing a 10% decrease from a 2018 reference level without mandatory restoration obligations.

Last year, farmers across Europe protested against bureaucratic barriers to subsidies and competition from cheap imports, demanding reforms that address their economic challenges.

The new measures also propose unlinking the CAP from the European Green Deal, signaling a shift away from prioritizing environmental concerns in favor of bureaucratic efficiency.

As the CAP reform approaches in July, advocates stress that increased flexibility for Member States must be accompanied by strong oversight and standardized regulations to avoid a fragmented subsidy system.