Yesterday, the Council firmly reiterated its support to the proposed targeted amendment of the EU deforestation regulation, postponing its date of application by 12 months. The Council considers that this is the best way forward to ensure legal certainty for all stakeholders. It should be recalled that the proposal of the Commission needs to be […]
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Plant health law: Council adopts improved rules to protect against plant pests
Today the Council has adopted a targeted revision of the EU plant health law, which improves the way the EU fights plant pests, ensures that the plants that enter the EU are safe, and simplifies procedures. Main elements One of the ways in which the revision improves the existing framework and better protects the health […]
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EU agriculture ministers meet in Budapest to discuss the farmer-centredness of the Common Agricultural Policy
An informal meeting of agriculture ministers in Budapest on 10 September kicked off the political debate on the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy. The topic of the meeting was “Farm-centred EU agriculture: towards a competitive, crisis-resilient, sustainable, farmer-friendly, and knowledge-based future Common Agricultural Policy,” in line with the priorities of the Hungarian presidency. European farmers have […]
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Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture delivers its final report to President von der Leyen
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen received today the final report of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, handed over by the group’s chair, Professor Peter Strohschneider. Entitled “A shared prospect for farming and food in Europe”, the report presents an assessment of challenges and opportunities, followed by a set of recommendations. These suggestions […]
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Commission seeks feedback on draft targeted amendments to rules on small amounts of State aid to the agricultural sector
The European Commission has launched a public consultation inviting all interested parties to comment on draft targeted amendments to the rules on small amounts of aid to the agricultural sector (‘Agricultural de minimis Regulation‘). All interested parties can respond to the public consultation until 21 July 2024. The proposed amendment The Agricultural de minimis Regulation exempts small amounts from State […]
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European Critical Raw Materials Act: law to ensure access to a diversified, affordable and sustainable supply enters into force
The European Critical Raw Materials Act entries into force, which aims at ensuring a diverse, secure, and sustainable supply of critical raw materials for the EU’s industry. Secured access to critical raw materials is essential for strategic sectors including clean technologies, digital, defence and aerospace industries. Europe now has a regulatory framework to strengthen domestic […]
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EU requests consultations under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement on UK permanent closure of sandeel fisheries
The European Union requested consultations with the United Kingdom under the dispute settlement mechanism of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) regarding the United Kingdom’s decision to prohibit the fishing of sandeel, with the aim of reaching a mutually agreeable solution. Effective since 26 March 2024, the closure of the sandeel fishery covers English […]
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New measures by the European Commission in favour of EU farmers
Delivering on its commitment to ease administrative burden for EU farmers, the European Commission has proposed to review certain provisions of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), aiming to deliver simplifications while maintaining a strong, sustainable and competitive policy for EU agriculture and food. These proposals, related to conditionality and CAP Strategic Plans, aim to reduce the burden […]
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EU Agriculutre Ministers approve short-term measures to respond to farmers’ concerns
Against the backdrop of ongoing farmers’ protests and based on information from the Belgian presidency and a non-paper on simplification prepared by the European Commission, agriculture ministers discussed the current crisis and challenges in the sector. The Council confirmed its political will to respond effectively to the concerns of farmers and, as a first step, […]
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