Next steps in reforming common agricultural and fisheries policies

European Union ministers met on 22 April 2013 to discuss the progress in negotiations between the EU institutions on the reform of the common agricultural policy (CAP) and the common fisheries policy (CFP).

© European Union 2013.
Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture,
Food and the Marine of Ireland.

Common agricultural policy (CAP) reform

Following agreement by the Council on its general approach and the European Parliament's vote on its position at first reading in March, ministers were briefed by the Irish presidency on the state of play after the first 'trilogues' with the Parliament and the Commission.

The talks are focused on:

• the rules governing direct payments to farmers
• the organisation of markets in agricultural products
• rural development support
• the way the CAP is financed, managed and monitored.

The Irish Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, chairing the meeting, said: "The progress is good. There is a real willingness to discuss compromises and landing points if you want to call them that, of final conclusions. But there will be points of difference of course, and we will need in next month's council meeting and of course the Council meeting in June, to work with the Commissioner and work with the European Parliament to try and find common agreement".

The Presidency hopes that the institutions can reach a comprehensive agreement by the end of June.

Common fisheries policy (CFP) reform

The Council held a debate on the outcome of the first trilogue negotiations on the package and on outstanding issues concerning the basic regulation of the CFP.

On the basis of the support of the member states, the Presidency will prepare an adjustment of the negotiating mandate for finalising an agreement before the end of the semester.

Other topics on the agenda of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council

• CAP transitional measures for 2014:
  The Commission presented its plan on transitional measures for next year, as the CAP reforms cannot be implemented before 2015. Details of the plan will be taken forward by working groups, and it is hoped they can be finalised in the autumn.
• Reducing incidental catches of seabirds in fishing gears:
  Ministers welcomed an action plan by the Commission. The plan proposes five specific actions in line with the CFP objective to minimise the impact of fisheries on the environment.
• EU partnership agreements with Mauritania and Morocco:
  Member states expressed concerns about the current state of play.
• Greenhouse gas emission allowance trading:
  The Council adopted a decision derogating temporarily from directive 2003/87/EC establishing the EU scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading. The decision intends to reinforce the positive momentum within the International Civil Aviation Organisation towards a global market-based approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation sector.

Video highlights

More information:

• Press release (pdf)
• Fisheries policy reform
• EU Common Agricultural Policy reform