Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 26-27 May 2021

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Thursday, May 27 2021, 0:43.

Main results

Live streaming

Live streaming

27 May 2021

  • - 
    08:00 Arrivals
  • - 
    10:00 Public session
  • - 
    16:00 Public session
  • - 
    18:30 Press conference (organic farming and genomic technics)

Estimated schedule

Agriculture, 26 May

CAP reform

The main item on today’s agenda was the future of the CAP after 2020. Ministers were briefed on the outcome of yesterday’s interinstitutional negotiations and provided guidance on the approach that the Portuguese presidency should take going forward with these negotiations on Wednesday and Thursday. In particular, they discussed the topics of social conditionality, targeting of payments, and the green architecture.

We have made considerable progress today, both in the Council meeting and during the interinstitutional negotiations. There is still a way to go, but we will make every effort to reach a deal before the end of the meeting.

Maria do Céu Antunes, Minister for Agriculture of Portugal

2021 United Nations Food Systems Summit

Following a discussion, the ministers approved the Council conclusions on the EU’s priorities for the United Nations Food Systems Summit, which will take place in New York in September. They agreed on the significance of the UN Food Systems Summit as a landmark event and a real opportunity to reshape food systems at the global level.

Plant reproductive material

Ministers held an exchange of views on the study produced by the Commission regarding options to update the existing EU legislation on the production and marketing of plant reproductive material. Overall, they welcomed the study; a large number of Ministers acknowledged the need to take action and update the legislation on PRMs.

New genomic techniques

Ministers held a debate on the conclusions of the Commission’s study on new genomic techniques and explored possible future policy actions. In general, they agreed with the findings of the study, notably the need to address legal uncertainty and to adapt the existing legislation to take into account scientific and technological progress.

Other business

EU-UK fishing opportunities

Ministers discussed the state of play regarding consultations with the United Kingdom on post-Brexit fishing opportunities, and took note of the comments made by a number of delegations. They reiterated their support for the Commission’s approach in continuing to seek a comprehensive agreement.

WTO fisheries negotiations

The Spanish and French delegations provided ministers with information on the state of play of World Trade Organization negotiations on fisheries subsidies. Ministers stressed the need for a balanced outcome that also delivered on Sustainable Development Goal 14.6.

Meeting information

  • - 
    Meeting n°3796
  • - 
    Brussels
  • - 
    26-27 May 2021

Preparatory documents

Outcome documents

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