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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Council gives final green light to a targeted review of the common agricultural policy
The Council formally adopted a targeted review of certain basic acts of the common agricultural policy (CAP). This review comes as a response to concerns voiced by farmers in recent months and takes into account the impact of geopolitical developments, such as the consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and of extreme weather events. Main elements of the […]
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Short-term outlook of agricultural markets: uncertainty remains a constant feature of EU farming
Agriculture remains impacted by several events outside of farmers’ control, such as climate and geopolitical crises, which continue to exert pressure on farmers. These have implications on productivity, trade, consumer demand, prices and ultimately on farmers’ income. Since the last short-term outlook (autumn 2023) and despite some favourable but limited developments in input costs, their […]
Read MoreParliament approves a revision of the EU’s common agricultural policy
MEPs gave a green light to the common agriculture policy (CAP) review to ease the administrative burden for EU farmers. On Wednesday, Parliament approved a review of the CAP Strategic Plans Regulation and the CAP Horizontal Regulation with 425 votes in favour, 130 against, and 33 abstentions. MEPs adopted the draft law with technical modifications proposed by the Council and endorsed […]
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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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Study confirms that EU trade opens new commercial opportunities for EU agri-food exporters
A study assessing the potential impact of ten free trade agreements (recently concluded or currently under negotiation) confirms that the EU trade approach opens new commercial opportunities for EU agri-food exporters. Engaging in preferential trade relations diversifies import sources, thus improving the resilience of EU food supply chains. The development of new markets through preferential […]
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The European Commission presents options for simplification to reduce the burden for EU farmers
The European Commission sent a paper to the Belgian Presidency outlining first possible actions to help reduce the administrative burden weighing on farmers’ shoulders. The document, which will be discussed with Member States in the agricultural Council of 26 February, lists a range of short- and mid-term actions that can be taken to achieve simplification. […]
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