The Agriculture Ministers of the EU countries came out in favour of a rapid agreement on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) during a videoconference meeting on Monday 25 January. However, many of them stressed the need to take account of the EU Council’s position in the current negotiations with the European Parliament and not to make too many concessions on green architecture or the new implementation model (see EUROPE 12641/23).
The Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the EU hopes that a final compromise will be reached in the spring between the co-legislators on the new CAP.
Several countries (including the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Croatia, Ireland, Slovakia and Hungary) criticised the ‘hybrid’ implementation model proposed by Parliament (a mix between current compliance model and new performance model).
Green architecture. The German Minister insisted on the need to defend the green architecture of the CAP and specified that countries must submit their strategic plans by the end of 2021.
The French Minister asked to respect the EU Council’s position, particularly on good agricultural and environmental conditions (GAEC). “Crop diversity must be a recognised practice, just like crop rotation”, said Julien Denormandie. He also defended forgiving mistakes (to take into account errors of declaration made in good faith by the beneficiary, without imposing a disproportionate penalty).
Croatia found the percentage advocated by Parliament (30%) on eco-regimes (20% for the EU Council) “unacceptable”.
The Netherlands opposed Parliament amendments on cross-compliance and the list of green projects at EU level.
Italy has suggested an ambitious ‘mutual fund’ for natural disasters.
Denmark and Sweden asked that the EU Council’s position on the Common Market Organisation be respected and that the Parliament amendments on market measures not be incorporated. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)