Main results of Agriculture and Fisheries Council

Council of the European Union had an exchange of views in public session on the new delivery model of the post 2020 CAP reform package on the basis of a presidency paper. Ministers focused their interventions on reporting of milestones and performance review, and the possibility of establishing unit amounts for non-area/animal-based interventions.

Post 2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform package

The new delivery model is the centerpiece of the CAP reform and its most innovative feature. Thanks to this paradigm shift, EU Member States will get a greater say in designing their national policies, but will also have greater responsibility. Advancing our discussions on this aspect will help us define the Council’s position on the whole reform package, said Petre Daea, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania and President of the Council:.

Clean Planet for All

EU Council was informed about and had an exchange of views on the agricultural aspects of the Commission communication "A clean planet for all: A European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy". Ministers focused in particular on the priority actions that should be undertaken at the EU and national level in the field of agriculture and forestry to contribute to the achievement of the Paris agreement goals by 2050.

Petre Daea, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of Romania and President of the Council: EU leaders, gathered in Sibiu last week for an informal summit, restated the urgency of collectively addressing climate change. Although the primary objective of agriculture is to ensure food security for Europe, agriculture and forestry can contribute to meeting the EU's ambitious environmental goals. Today we discussed how to empower and equip our farmers to meet this challenge.

Trade-related agricultural issues

European Commission updated the Council on the performance of EU agricultural trade. It reported in particular on the latest developments in its diplomatic initiative to promote European agricultural products in the world, as well as on the trade negotiations which have either been concluded or are ongoing, and which have an impact on EU agriculture. These include: Mercosur, Australia and New Zealand. Ministers had an opportunity to exchange views and reflect on the sensitive issues, as well as the priorities and benefits, for EU agriculture in the context of the ongoing and upcoming free trade negotiations being undertaken by the EU.

Other topics on the agenda

Ministers were also informed about:

- regulation on the future European Maritime and Fisheries Fund,

- follow up to the ruling of the European Court of Justice on organisms obtained by mutagenesis,

- situation in the fruit sector..

Source:Romania2019.eu, Press Center of the Council of the European Union