Transforming large-scale agricultural landscapes in Central and Eastern Europe: a pathway toward sustainable agroecology

Agricultural intensification at local and landscape scales has led to significant biodiversity loss, adversely affecting ecosystem services. Agricultural areas of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) are particularly vulnerable, as their large, homogeneous croplands, which emerged during collectivisation, are highly susceptible to climate change impacts, especially droughts. This opinion paper underscores that land-use and climate change drive necessary agroecological transformations particularly in CEE countries. Evaluating and integrating transformation pathways are crucial for a comprehensive landscape-scale redesign that can buffer the impacts of current and future climate change. We emphasise the importance of shifting towards climate-smart agroecology and transforming large-scale agriculture landscapes in CEE countries. Such transformation is vital to maintain stable production as well as farmland biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. The process requires rapid, innovative, multidisciplinary, and multi-stakeholder approaches that integrate insights from ecology, economics, social and climate science. We discuss policy directions and practical recommendations to support this transition, including promoting sustainable farming practices through increased subsidies beyond current standalone agri-environment schemes. Additionally, fostering farmer collaboration for resource management and advancing climate-resilient technology research are essential. Education programs must highlight biodiversity-friendly practices’ benefits, while collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and farmers can help tailor innovative solutions to regional needs. Our approach aims to guide sustainable agricultural development, ensuring CEE countries can adapt effectively to environmental challenges. • Land-use and climate change drive agroecological transformation in Central and Eastern Europe. • Evaluating transformation pathway potential is vital for sustainable agricultural landscapes. • Integrated approaches are essential for effective landscape-scale redesign in agriculture.