EU countries to continue help Ukraine export food via solidarity lanes

On September 26, 2022, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council took place. These were the main results:

Agriculture

Discussion on agricultural production and logistics in Ukraine and connections to the EU

To continue close coordination to counter the consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, ministers were joined by the Ukrainian Minister for agrarian Policy and Food, Mykola Solskyi, to discuss the current agricultural production and logistics situation in Ukraine, as well as the implementation of the EU solidarity lanes. Ministers welcomed the latest update on harvest and agricultural yields, including the relatively stable level of cereal production. Overall, ministers welcomed the reopening of the Black Sea ports, but stressed that the current situation remains difficult both in Ukraine and globally. Ministers also exchanged views on the positive outcome of the transport routes, which make it possible to deliver Ukrainian crops to third countries, and called for further investment to be provided for the solidarity lanes.

Global food security is challenged by the unprecedented and barbaric Russian aggression. People around the world are dependent on timely access to Ukrainian agriculture production. EU Member States are determined to continue in their assistance in transporting wheat, maize and other cereals to consumers in third countries. We will continue to develop the logistics for Ukrainian export and connect businesses in order to better meet supply and demand for agricultural production from Ukraine.

Zdeněk Nekula, Czech Minister for Agriculture

During lunch, the ministers discussed the future of food labelling and front-of-pack nutrition labelling, which provides valuable information for consumers. This discussion took place ahead of the awaited legislative proposal currently being prepared by the Commission.

Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 21 de marzo de 2022

 

Fisheries

Ahead of the regular annual cycle of discussions on setting the fishing opportunities for 2023, which will culminate at the December Agriculture and Fisheries Council, ministers exchanged views on the management of the fish stocks shared with the United Kingdom. Ministers welcomed the timely delivery of the Commission’s proposal for specification of the EU’s position and recalled the paramount importance of scientific advice as a basis for upcoming discussions. Ministers further outlined their national priorities and the main issues for the upcoming consultations. Additionally, ministers exchanged views on the annual consultations with Norway and coastal states, which have undergone major changes since Brexit.

Other business

Under other business, ministers discussed the current situation and the future management of European eel stock, as well as the protection of vulnerable marine areas. They further exchanged views on the agricultural aspects of the industrial emissions directive and the sustainable use of plant protection products proposal. Ministers also discussed the rise of the large carnivore populations and its impact on the agricultural sector, the maintenance of permanent grassland under the new CAP, as well as the possible prolongation of temporary state aid measures in light of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the current situation of the dairy sector.

Source: European Council — Meetings