On Monday 15 October, European Union agriculture ministers in Luxembourg are to discuss proposals in preparation for the common agricultural policy (CAP) post-2020. In addition to fisheries-related issues (see other article), the Council will discuss African swine fever, the sugar market and the Spanish application for the post of director general of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV).
The Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU remains keen on the ambitious aim to have EU ministers reach a general approach on the future CAP by the end of December. Council experts have completed the first technical examination of the European Commission’s proposals. The Agriculture Council will study matters concerning the new delivery model and the new green architecture for aid.
Report by the Austrian Presidency. The Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU published, on Wednesday 10 October, a report on the state of progress of discussions on the CAP.
In the paper, it invites the Council to answer two questions. On one hand, in the context of the new delivery model proposed (which will lead to a significant shift of responsibility between the EU and member states), does the proposal provide sufficient flexibility for member states while ensuring a level playing field? And, going a step further, are there elements of the new delivery model where further scope for simplification can be proposed?
In addition, the ministers must indicate whether the new green architecture aimed at improving the environmental performance of the CAP is deemed proportionate.
During preparations for the Council, experts from many member states complained, on 8 October, about the growing complexity of the new delivery model and the administrative burden that it represents, especially due to the indicators proposed, annual assessments, requirements with regards reports and monitoring, the definition of genuine farmers, aid capping and the information technology systems necessary.
In response to the second question, delegations considered that the environmental programmes proposed should be applied on a voluntary basis by member states in order to give them more flexibility when it comes to adjusting environmental measures to suit needs. Some member states called for small farmers to be dispensed from conditionality, while others underlined there was overlap between eco-provisions of the first pillar and agri-environmental and climate measures of the second pillar.
The report by the Austrian Presidency can be consulted at: https://bit.ly/2yfnUQa.
Sugar. Italy has requested that discussion be on the sugar sector, which has "worsened" since June, according to a memo from the delegation. The latest official data published by the European Commission show a very low average price for European sugar, at €346 per tonne, a level never before reached, at 14% below the reference price of €404/tonne. Over twelve months, the average EU prices have fallen by over 30%. Also, since the end of quotas in October 2017, European production has increased. Italy calls upon the Commission to "recognise the state of crisis in the sector" and to activate the necessary measures to "balance the market in the short and medium term", including via aid to private storage. The Commission is urged to assess the possibility of activating exceptional measures set out in Regulation 1308/2013 relating to the common market organisation for agricultural products (in the case of market upheavals).
Wine – Spain calls for support for its candidature. Spain is to call on its European partners for their support of the Spanish candidate, Pau Rocca, who is applying for nomination to the post of director general of the International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV) at the OIV general assembly in Punta del Este (Uruguay) on 23 November.
"With the support of all EU countries that are OIV members, the Spanish applicant would be elected (...) and this would be a triumph for all EU countries and the European spirit", Madrid states in a note to the Council.
Several rounds of election were held on 6 July and 19 September, during which the secretary general of the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV) since 1992 carried most votes, but without reaching the double majority required.
John Barker of New Zealand is also in the running to succeed the current OIV director general, Jean-Marie Aurand of France, from 1 January 2019. The OIV is composed of 46 member states, of which 20 are members of the EU.
African swine fever. The European Commission will speak of the African swine fever situation and will underline the importance of cooperation when it comes to managing wild boar. It will also underline the need for "coherent" application of EU legislation. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)