| |||||
|
Council of the EU
Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 21 February 2022
Main results
Agriculture
Coherence between farming, trade and environmental policies
Ministers held an exchange of views on ways to strengthen coherence between the Green Deal, the common agricultural policy (CAP) and trade policy, in order to support the transition to sustainable food systems.
On the whole, ministers recognised the need to strengthen coherence between the EU’s sectoral and trade policies in order to achieve the aims of the European Green Deal and its related sectoral strategies.
Many ministers highlighted the importance of improving coherence between the EU’s own health and environmental standards and those applied to imported agri-food products, in line with WTO rules and in cooperation with the EU’s trade partners, notably by reconsidering maximum limits for phytopharmaceutical residues and introducing mirror clauses into EU law.
The adoption of Council conclusions on ‘the EU’s commitment to an ambitious Codex Alimentarius fit for the challenges of today and tomorrow,’ is also part of this aim to promote European values in the context of international negotiations, in particular by fostering the inclusion of a sustainability dimension.
Today’s Council meeting focused on the reciprocity of standards and the promotion of European standards and values at international level. Both the discussions on coherence between the European Green Deal, the CAP and trade policy and on the proposed regulation on combatting deforestation and forest degradation, as well as the adoption of Council conclusions on the Codex Alimentarius, made it clear that Europeans will no longer accept products that run contrary to our efforts to make our food systems more sustainable.Julien Denormandie, French Minister for Agriculture and Food
Strengthening coherence between the Green Deal, the CAP and trade policy to support the transition towards sustainable food systems
Deforestation-free products
Farming ministers held a policy debate on the Commission’s proposal for a regulation on deforestation-free products, the aim of which is to ensure that products consumed on the EU market do not contribute to deforestation and forest degradation worldwide. It will do so by setting due diligence rules for operators so as to reduce the risk that commodities placed on the EU market, such as soy, beef, palm oil, wood, cocoa and coffee, are associated with deforestation.
On the whole, ministers welcomed the proposed regulation. In particular, they highlighted the need to establish clear, unambiguous definitions, in line with the EU’s forest policy, to avoid disproportionate administrative and financial burdens (in particular for small operators), to ensure that the regulation is implemented consistently across the EU, to verify compliance with WTO rules and to establish good relations with non-EU countries.
A policy debate on the proposal will take place during the Environment Council on 17 March 2022.
Regulation on deforestation-free products – information from the presidency
Proposal for a regulation on the making available on the Union market as well as export from the Union of certain commodities and products associated with deforestation and forest degradation
Market situation
Based on information provided by the Commission and member states, ministers held an exchange of views on the market situation for agricultural products. During the discussion, member states highlighted a number of concerns, in particular the impact on agriculture of rising energy, fertiliser and feed costs. The Polish delegation also took the floor to provide information about challenges facing the pigmeat sector in Europe; this point followed up on similar points raised at previous Council meetings and was supported by other member states. Other topics discussed included the economic impact of veterinary diseases, such as African swine fever and highly pathogenic avian influenza, as well as developments reported by member states as having a particular impact on agriculture. Ministers took note of the Commission’s proposal for a high-level group on the pigmeat sector, which would work on finding a solution to the current crisis in the medium-to-long term.
Latest data on the agricultural market situation
Situation on the pig meat market – information from the Polish delegation, supported by Hungary and Latvia
Other topics on the agenda
During the meeting, ministers received information from member states on the revision of the EU’s agricultural promotion policy and drought conditions in Portugal and Spain. They also discussed the need to ensure a fair income for farmers.
Ministers received information from the Commission about reports on the phytosanitary measures on imports into the EU and on the extension of the use of plant passports. Other topics discussed included the need to improve the well-being and health of dogs bred for commercial purposes and the labelling of free-range eggs.
Reports on the phytosanitary measures on imports into the EU and on the extension of the use of plant passports in the EU – information from the European Commission
Report from the European Commission on the enforcement and effectiveness of plant health measures relating to imports into the Union territory
Report from the European Commission to present the experience gained from the extension of the plant passport system to all movement of plants for planting within the Union territory
EU legislation on the commercial keeping and sale of dogs – information from the Danish delegation
Potential, negative effects of the review of the eligibility of products within the EU promotion policy – information from the Polish delegation on behalf of the Austrian, Belgian, Bulgarian, Hungarian, Irish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese and Spanish delegations
16-week period for free range eggs in relation to the avian influenza situation in 2021-2022 – Information from the Netherlands delegation, supported by Austria, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Portugal, and Romania
Severe drought situation in Portugal and Spain – Information from the Portuguese and Spanish delegations
Fair income for farmers: A new alliance for food security in Europe – information from the Austrian and German delegations on behalf of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia and Spain
The Council also adopted without discussion the items that figured in the list of non-legislative A items.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3842-2
Brussels
21 February 2022
10:00
Preparatory documents
List of A items, non-legislative activities
Provisional agenda
Background brief
Outcome documents
List of participants
| |||||
|
- Council of the EU
- Media advisory - Foreign Affairs Council of 21 February 2022,
Foreign Affairs Council, 21 February 2022
Main results
European security situation
The Foreign Affairs Council held a discussion on the European security situation.
The Council condemned the Russian military build-up around Ukraine, increased ceasefire violations and provocations from the Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine. It also condemned actions, staged events and information manipulations aimed at creating a pretext for military escalation against Ukraine.
Furthermore it commended Ukraine’s restraint in face of this intimidation and violations of Minsk agreements and international law.
In the context of this discussion, ministers had the opportunity to informally exchange views with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. Ministers reaffirmed their unity, resolve and EU solidarity with Ukraine.
Russia has created the biggest threat to peace and stability in Europe since the Second World War. We call upon President Putin to respect international law and the Minsk Agreements. It is up to Russian leadership to decide how they want to be seen by international community and history.Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
The Council decided on a series of measures to support Ukraine's resilience. It adopted the decision to provide €1,2 billion in macro financial assistance, and decided to provide support to Ukraine’s professional military education under the European Peace Facility. The EU will also increase its support against cyber-attacks and countering disinformation by sending a mission of experts to the country.
EU embassies and diplomatic missions, as well as the EU delegation to Ukraine will remain open and fully operational, with limited exceptions.
The High Representative also made clear that any aggression against Ukraine would have massive consequences with regard to Belarus, should an attack be conducted from its territory or with its involvement.
Council adopts €1.2 billion assistance to Ukraine (press release, 21 February 2022)
EU relations with Ukraine (background information)
EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine (background information)
EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine (infographic)
Bosnia and Herzegovina
The Council discussed the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and how to preserve the sovereignty, territorial integrity and unity of the country.
The Council urged the political leaders to take responsibility for preserving the Constitution, ensure the full return to the state institutions and deal with all open issues.
There is no place in Europe for a divided Bosnia and Herzegovina and those who work in this direction are strongly wrong. They are depriving their people of a prosperous European perspective and life.Josep Borrell, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
Ministers expressed full support for the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Johann Sattler, EUNAVFOR Operation ALTHEA, and the High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Christian Schmidt. Both the EU and the US are trying to facilitate political dialogue in order to reach an agreement on the constitutional and electoral reform, including limited constitutional amendment that could improve the functionality of the federation.
The EU remains ready to use all the available instruments, if the situation so requires, including EU financial assistance and restrictive measures as last resort.
Dialogue remains the priority to ensure the reforms needed to go towards the forthcoming elections.
Climate diplomacy
The Council exchanged views on climate diplomacy and approved conclusions on the matter.
Climate Diplomacy: Council calls for accelerating the implementation of the Glasgow COP26 outcomes (press release, 21 February 2022)
Climate goals and the EUʼs external policy (background information)
Current Affairs
The Council was informed about the situation in Mali and the ongoing negotiations in the framework of the nuclear deal with Iran (the JCPOA).
Council conclusions
The Council also approved conclusions on the Coordinated Maritime Presences concept.
Coordinated Maritime Presences: Council extends implementation in the Gulf of Guinea for two years and establishes a new Maritime Area of Interest in the North-Western Indian Ocean (press release, 21 February 2022)
26th GCC-EU Joint Ministerial Council
In the margins of the FAC EU foreign affairs ministers met their counterparts from the Gulf countries in the 26th joint council of the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council.
The EU is the biggest investor in the Gulf, and the second trade partner with the region. Ministers agreed that it was time to commit to work more closely on green transition, development cooperation and humanitarian action. Yemen was also discussed.
Gulf Cooperation Council (European External Action Service)
The Council also adopted without discussion the items that figure in the lists of legislative and non-legislative A items.
Meeting information
Meeting n°3847
Brussels
21 February 2022
08:30
Preparatory documents
Background brief
Provisional agenda
List of A items, legislative deliberations
List of A items, non-legislative activities
List of A items, non-legislative activities, Addition 1
Outcome documents
List of participants
Press releases
Syria: EU imposes restrictive measures on additional five individuals
21 February 2022, 17:50
ISIL/Da'esh and Al-Qaida: two groups and two individuals added to the EU sanctions list over terrorism
21 February 2022, 17:40
Myanmar/Burma: EU imposes restrictive measures on 22 individuals and 4 entities in fourth round of sanctions
21 February 2022, 17:30
Ukraine's territorial integrity: EU sanctions five persons involved in the Russian State Duma elections of September 2021 in illegally-annexed Crimea
21 February 2022, 17:20
Coordinated Maritime Presences: Council extends implementation in the Gulf of Guinea for two years and establishes a new Maritime Area of Interest in the North-Western Indian Ocean
21 February 2022, 15:41
Climate Diplomacy: Council calls for accelerating the implementation of the Glasgow COP26 outcomes
21 February 2022, 13:40
Council adopts €1.2 billion assistance to Ukraine
21 February 2022, 10:10
