EU drought response may focus on short-term fixes

Significance

The resulting drought in many parts of the continent and its impact on agriculture have highlighted the threat posed by climate change to future food production. It has also raised questions about the role of EU policies in exacerbating or mitigating this threat.

Impacts

• Weather conditions in Europe and elsewhere will increase the prices of many agricultural commodities.
• Higher food prices will affect poorer households disproportionately.
• Reforming EU agricultural policy will remain a secondary consideration, after the priorities of producers and wider budgetary battles.