The Ministers of Agriculture of the Member States of the European Union will discuss the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the agricultural dimension of the free trade agreements that the EU has concluded with several non-Member States, including the United Kingdom, and with Mercosur, in an informal videoconference on Monday 25 January.
The Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU will inform the ministers of the progress of the negotiations on the CAP reform process (see EUROPE 12640/19). Talks between the EU Council, the European Parliament and the European Commission are ongoing.
Trade. The Commission will provide information to ministers, particularly on trade-related agricultural issues: - the trade and cooperation agreement with the United Kingdom; - free trade agreements with Vietnam, Singapore and Mercosur; - the agreement with China on geographical indications.
On Monday 25 January, the Commission will present a study by the joint research centre on the effects of trade agreements.
Croatia will discuss the effects of the earthquake on the agricultural sector, and Slovenia will speak about the pigmeat sector.
Fisheries. Ministers will discuss 2021 fishing opportunities for stocks shared with the United Kingdom (see EUROPE 12633/3, 12625/6).
In December 2020, the 2021 total allowable catches (TACs) for these stocks was set provisionally for the first 3 months of the year.
The ministers’ debate will help the Commission prepare its forthcoming consultations with the UK on the subject. It has indeed received the green light from the EU Council to conduct these talks with London. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)