"Consumer safety is a priority for the Maltese Presidency and the whole of the EU. Member states and the Commission have reacted quickly, effectively, and in a coordinated manner to the Brazilian meat scandal. The EU's system for the control of imports is rigorous and reliable, and is now even stricter than before." - Roderick Galdes, Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and president of the Council
Omnibus
The Council had an exchange of views on the Omnibus regulation, which proposes updates to legislation in several areas, including the common agricultural policy, and is part of the review of the multi-annual financial framework.
Delegations broadly welcomed the Presidency compromise package and addressed the few outstanding political issues (voluntary coupled support, young farmers, income stabilisation tool, etc.). The outcome of their discussions will provide political guidance to the Special Committee on Agriculture in its task of finding a final agreement on the agricultural aspects of the proposal.
"Our priority is to make life easier for both farmers and national authorities. There is a lot we can do to simplify and improve the existing rules within the limits of market stability." - Roderick Galdes, Maltese Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and president of the Council
Report on the implementation of ecological focus areas
The Commission informed the Council on the results of its report on the implementation of the ecological focus area (EFA) obligation under the green direct payments scheme.
The report shows that the EFA obligation applies to the majority of EU arable land, and can help address the impact of some farming practices on the environment, by bringing beneficial effects to biodiversity, soil, water and climate.
Delegations welcomed the report and highlighted the importance of further simplifying the greening of the CAP.
Other topics on the agenda
Ministers were informed about the latest developments in the Brazilian meat fraud, and discussed the simplification of the CAP, with a focus on the period post 2020 and on secondary legislation.
The Council also decided to mobilise the EU solidarity fund to help the United Kingdom, Cyprus and Portugal repair the damage caused by natural disasters. Following the floods in December 2015 and January 2016 the United Kingdom will receive €60.3 million. Cyprus, which was hit by drought and fires between October 2015 and June 2016, will get €7.30 million. Portugal suffered from fires in August 2016 and receives €3.93 million.
