EU Agriculture Ministers will physically meet, and not by videoconference, on Monday 20 July in Brussels to discuss the proposals for the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Farm to Fork strategy.
The German EU Council Presidency, which will also present its work programme from July to the end of December (see EUROPE 12528/19), intends to focus on ‘ecological architecture’ in connection with the reform of the CAP (see EUROPE 12516/5). It comprises several elements, including conditionality, new environmental programmes (eco-schemes) and interventions under the 2nd pillar (rural development).
The Finnish Presidency of the EU Council had proposed an approach based on a single percentage for climate and environment-related expenditure, making use of both pillars (market expenditure and rural development). The Croatian Presidency had noted that there was not sufficient support in the EU Council for this approach.
However, at the meeting of the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) on 6 July, delegations considered the idea of a contribution from both pillars to be worthwhile.
Moreover, delegations remain divided on whether environmental programmes are mandatory or voluntary.
The Commission has also proposed ring-fencing for environmental programmes under the 1st pillar. Delegations expressed divergent views on this option. A number of Member States stressed that, without appropriate financial flexibility, the possible insufficient use of these instruments would lead to a loss of available funds.
The Agriculture Council will have an exchange of views on the Farm to Fork strategy. Finally, the Commission will take stock of agricultural markets in the context of the resumption of certain activities after the end of the containment measures related to Covid-19. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)