The agriculture ministers of France, Germany and Poland called on Friday 14 October for the European Commission to work towards an “in kind” humanitarian aid scheme where beef-based products could be sent to the countries faced with an influx of refugees.
French minister Stéphane Le Foll invited his German and Polish counterparts to a so-called “Weimar summit” format meeting in Le Mans. The ministers discussed the crisis that is affecting a number of sectors but in particular milk, beef and cereals.
Against this background of crisis in manifold agriculture sectors, they shared their concern at the level of the caps on what is known as de minimis national aid (that is, aid which can be granted without the approval of the Commission having to be sought).
They agreed, too, on the need for discussion at the next Agriculture Council of the proposed trade agreement between the European Union and the Mercosur countries. “Sensitive agricultural products and European (environmental, health and animal welfare) standards have to be protected”, says a press release from the French Ministry of Agriculture. The three ministers also called for European solidarity in helping Poland bring an end to the African swine fever outbreak within its borders. They called on the Commission to intensify dialogue with Belarus, Russia and Ukraine so that an effective eradication strategy can be put in place. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)