Post 2020 CAP reform package
In the field of agriculture, the main topic of the Austrian presidency is to negotiate the proposals on the modernisation and simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy(CAP) after 2020. They will discuss three legislative proposals in the CAP reform package:
- a regulation on the CAP strategic plans
- a regulation single common market organisation (CMO)
- a horizontal regulation on financing, managing and monitoring the CAP
- Future of the CAP post 2020 (background information)
Fairer role for farmers in the food supply chain
Strengthening the position of farmers in the food supply chain will remain a priority during the presidency. The Commission's proposal on unfair trade practices aims to improve the position of farmers, who are currently considered the weakest link in the food supply chain.
Plant health
The presidency will discuss plant health, with the aim of finalising secondary legislation related to the plant health and controls regulations in 2019. Preparations will also continue for the 2020 United Nations International year of plant health.
Veterinary matters and animal welfare
In the veterinary sector, work on the legislative proposals on veterinary medicinal products and medicated feeds package will be finalised and work will continue in the implementation of the regulations on animal health and official controls adopted in 2016 and 2017.
FAO and forestry
At the start of the Austrian presidency, the members of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) will set out their priorities for forestry for the next two years. Other possible areas of discussion include a review of:
- EU forestry strategy
- EU activities on deforestation
Fishing opportunities for 2019
The EU also sets annual catch limits for most commercial fish stocks, total allowable catches (TACs). The Austrian presidency will work on the negotiations for 2019, based on proposals from the European Commission. These negotiations will set the catch limits for the:
- Baltic sea
- Black sea
- North sea
- Atlantic sea
The presidency will also conclude two-year TACs and quotas for deep-sea species and three-year autonomous tariff quotas for certain fisheries.
Multiannual management plans
The Austrian presidency will work on the multiannual management plans, which are expected to be presented by the Commission. These plans include:
- Western Atlantic
- Western Mediterranean waters
- Management of the EU's fish stocks (background information)
Fisheries control
The presidency will work also on proposals for an amendment on official controls regulations to modernise the fisheries control system.
European maritime and fisheries fund
The Austrian presidency will also try to advance discussions on the proposal for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund after 2020.
External dimension of the common fisheries policy
The presidency will work on developing a common position of the Council:
- annual meetings of multilateral organisations
- regional fisheries management organisations
- sustainable fisheries partnership agreements
The presidency will also develop EU positions for the negotiations with the coastal states and on the northern agreements with Norway and the Faroe Islands.
