The Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union hopes that, during the first half of 2019, progress will be made in the post-2020 negotiations on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), despite the uncertainties arising from the budgetary debates and the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the EU.
The bio-economy and the development of plant proteins are two other 'flagship' agricultural matters for the Romanian Presidency.
Legislative proposals for the post -2010 CAP are on the agenda of all scheduled ‘Agriculture’ Council meetings in the first half of this year - 28 January, 18 March, 15 April, 14 May and 18 June - according to the provisional work programme. The Romanian Presidency hopes to lead the Council to a possible 'partial general approach' on 18 June on the proposals amending the CAP rules (see EUROPE 12161).
However, these negotiations depend on those regarding the EU's multiannual financial framework (MFF) for 2021-2027, which the EU Heads of State or Governments estimated last December could only be completed in autumn 2019.
Plant proteins, transitional provisions. In addition to the debates on the regulations of the next CAP, the Romanian Presidency is planning a ministerial debate on 28 January on the European Commission's report on the development of plant proteins in the EU.
Also on the agenda on 28 January in 'other business', was the proposal on transitional provisions on 2020 direct payments and rural development programmes in 2019 and 2020 (more flexible timetable for phasing out payments to territories no longer included in the new designation of areas with natural limitations).
In addition, the Council will have to confirm the inter-institutional compromise reached on the Unfair Commercial Practices (UCPs) Directive in the food supply chain.
Bio-economy, rural Africa and water. On 18 March (no meeting is scheduled for February at this stage), Agriculture Ministers are expected to continue discussions on the strategy for the bio-economy, which is also the theme of the informal meeting of EU Agriculture Ministers in Bucharest on 3 and 4 June.
They will also have a discussion in March on the report of the European Commission's working group on rural Africa, whose recommendations were presented in December 2018.
In 'other business', information will be provided to the Council on the results of workshops organised by the Commission's task force on water.
Climate, market situation, international trade. On 15 April, discussions will focus on the agricultural aspects of the long-term strategy to achieve a climate-neutral economy by 2050 and on agricultural markets.
On 14 May, the Council will discuss current international trade issues (trade agreements) related to agriculture. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)