Agriculture Council: main results
M. Fischer Boel - M. Barnier - Conférence de presse
© Le Conseil de l'Union européenne
- On: 28.11.2008
- In: Bruxelles
At the Agriculture Council in Brussels on Friday 28 November, an overwhelming majority of Member States lent their support to the Presidency’s conclusions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2013, while just 3 delegations were opposed. Following the discussions in Annecy at the informal meeting in September last, these conclusions officially launch the Community debate on the future of the CAP beyond 2013. Without prejudice to the coming budgetary discussions, they recall the challenges facing European agriculture and the aims that should be pursued by the future Common Agricultural Policy.
A public policy debate was held on the amendment of the European programme of aid to the most deprived, which was presented by the Commission in September. This debate showed that a majority of Member States supported the Commission’s proposal. This programme, created in 1987, allows intervention stocks to be used for the benefit of the most deprived European citizens. The evolution of stocks and market management mechanisms over the last 20 years make it necessary to adapt the programme. The technical discussions will continue and the subject should be concluded by the Czech Presidency, after the European Parliament delivers its opinion in March 2009.
Two different points were discussed. Following the G20 summit in Washington on 15 November last, the international discussions of the WTO could resume in Geneva before the end of the year. A majority of Member States once more reminded the Commission of the need to reach a balanced agreement, which would take account of the EU’s offensive interests, such as geographical indications and industrial goods. The Presidency also took note of the difficulties encountered by Poland in the dairy sector. Poland asked for the establishment of export refunds.
Lastly, the ministers gathered for an informal lunch with Louis Michel on the world food situation and the role that agriculture should play in terms of development.
- Updated: 01.12.2008
