Experts from EU countries, meeting on Monday 16 September in the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA), supported the Finnish Presidency of the EU Council’s suggestions to increase flexibility in the allocation of direct payments after 2020 (see EUROPE 12296/10).
This flexibility is one of the aspects under discussion in the European Commission's proposals on the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), particularly on future 'strategic plans'.
In a document, the Finnish Presidency includes provisions for greater flexibility in the allocation of direct payment funds, in particular for ‘eco-regimes’ (ecological programmes) and in support for young farmers. The adaptations proposed by Finland to avoid the risk of a lack of funds in the event of higher than expected requests have been welcomed by Member States.
Transitional measures. Due to the discussions on the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2021-2027 being at a standstill (see EUROPE 12328/3), EU countries are waiting mainly for the proposal for a regulation on transitional measures. The latter aims to fill the legal gap between the current regulation, which expires at the end of 2020, and the next CAP, which will not be ready by 1 January 2021 (see EUROPE 12287/5). A Commission proposal should be presented to the European ministers of agriculture at their meeting in Luxembourg on 14 October.
Also in the context of the post-2020 CAP, the Finnish Presidency of the EU Council also presented to the SCA, a document on the types of sectoral interventions. Several delegations called for an extension of the scope of sectors eligible for financial support.
To consult the document on the flexibility of direct payments: http://bit.ly/2kDsF2p (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)