COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION (Agriculture and Fisheries), Brussels - Main contents
| date | December 11, 2022 - December 12, 2022 |
|---|---|
| city | Brussels, Belgium |
| location | Brussels, Belgium  |
| organisation | Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIPECHE) i, Czech presidency of the EU i |
Main results
Agriculture
Market situation, particularly in light of the Russian war against Ukraine
Ministers took stock of the market situation in member states, more particularly in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which is putting unprecedented pressure and uncertainty on farmers and world markets. They reiterated the impact of the war on all sectors, with producers facing significant increases in energy and fuel prices, as well as many logistical challenges. Ministers further emphasized the critical situation concerning the affordability of fertilisers, and the impact this might have on overall prospects for harvest next year, with many farmers likely to reduce their use of fertilizer. Ministers additionally exchanged views on the possibility of using the agricultural reserve for 2023, and stressed the impact of high food prices on consumers.
Infographic - Een eerlijker, groener en prestatieafhankelijker EU-landbouwbeleid
CAP strategic plans
Ministers exchanged views on the strategic plans included in the common agricultural policy (CAP), particularly in the context of Russia’s war in Ukraine and the challenges this is posing for the farming sector. Ministers stated their respective readiness to implement national plans comes January 2023, with the first year likely to be particularly challenging, especially in terms of setting up control systems and ensuring proper implementation.
In January we will start implementing the new common agriculture policy. Russian invasion to Ukraine had a disruptive effect on our farmers in the EU. I am glad we had a sincere discussion on the state of play and the possible need to adjust the strategic plans to reflect a new reality.
Zdeněk Nekula , Czech Minister of Agriculture
Animal welfare
Ministers publicly discussed the evaluation of the current animal welfare legislation and stressed the need to revise the current legislation as soon as possible, to protect animal welfare and adopt a harmonized approach at EU level. Ministers moreover voiced their main priorities regarding the revision of the legislation and emphasized that this revised proposal would also ensure fairer competition for farmers and other food business operators in the member states.
Other business
Ministers were informed by the presidency on the state of play of the regulation on geographical indications and quality schemes across the EU and exchanged views on the regulation for the sustainable use of pesticide directive. They further discussed front of pack and sustainable food labelling.
Fisheries
Other business
Ministers discussed multiannual fishing quotas and their importance in ensuring predictability for fishermen, as well as for the sustainability of stocks.
The Council also adopted, without discussion, the items on the list of non-legislative A items.
Livestreaming
Monday, 12 December 2022
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-TBC Press conference (TACs)
Planning onder voorbehoud
Agenda highlights
Fisheries
Infographic - Vaststellen van vangstbeperkingen en quota
2023 fishing opportunities
As is the case each year in December, Agriculture and Fisheries ministers will meet to reach a political agreement on fishing rights for 2023 in EU and non-EU waters, in the Atlantic, North Sea, Mediterranean and Black Sea, as well as for certain deep-sea stocks. The Council’s decision will be based on a proposal drawn up by the European Commission, taking into account the best available scientific advice, the aims of the common fisheries policy (CFP) and the EU’s multiannual plans for various sea basins.
The Council configuration on Agriculture and Fisheries (AGRIPECHE), consists of the Ministers of Agriculture and/or Fisheries of the Member States of the European Union. The Council formally presides a meeting once a month. The Council is free to preside several informal meetings as well.
In the Council of the European Union, the ministers from the EU Member States take a joint decision on the policy to be implemented within the EU. The Council is supported by the Committee of Permanent Representatives, which prepares decisions and guards the implementation and adherence of the decisions monitored by the Council.