11/12/2025 (Agence Europe) – The EU’s agricultural cooperatives and associations (Copa and Cogeca) are calling for an ambitious simplification of regulations, particularly the Nitrates, Habitats and Water Framework Directives and legislation on nature restoration. On Wednesday 10 December, they expressed their disappointment at the European Commission’s proposals concerning the ‘omnibus’ legislation to simplify environmental rules (see EUROPE 13770/2). While certain advances are to be welcomed, such as the exclusion of organic poultry farms from the scope of the Industrial Emissions Directive and the simplification of reporting requirements, the absence of broader measures leaves the agricultural sector waiting for a genuine modernisation of the rules. On 18 December, approximately 10,000 farmers are expected in Brussels to demand a genuine simplification of the rules. Copa-Cogeca will now be working with the Member States and the European Parliament to achieve concrete improvements in this ‘omnibus’ package. (LC)