COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,update

 

Meetings Monday, 19 May 2025

● Council of the EU   19/05/2025 13:08 | Meetings | Foreign Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), 20 May 2025   Background brief - Foreign Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) of 20 May 2025

● Council of the EU

19/05/2025 12:20 | Press release | Strengthening farmers' position in the agrifood supply chain: Council agrees negotiating position   Today member states' representatives in the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) approved the Council’s negotiating mandate on a targeted amendment of the regulation on the common market organisation of agricultural products (CMO) and of the two other acts governing the common agricultural policy. These changes aim to address the growing challenges faced by farmers and boost their position within the food supply chain. The proposed rules are designed to give farmers a stronger negotiating position so that powerful actors in the food supply chain do not impose unfavourable conditions on them. By empowering farmers, the updated rules will contribute to stabilising their incomes and ensuring fairer livelihoods in agriculture. “Farmers play a vital role in our lives, but they remain the weakest link in the agrifood supply chain. The new rules aim to improve their bargaining power, ensuring they can make a fair and dignified living from their hard work. The ultimate goal is to restore trust throughout the food supply chain.” — Czesław Siekierski, Polish Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Main elements of the proposal The proposed amendments to the CMO regulation focus on several key areas, in order to strengthen the role of farmers in the food supply chain by: making written contracts a general obligation between farmers and buyers and by improving the way long-term contracts take into account market developments, fluctuations of costs and economic conditions introducing a revision clause in long-term contracts, to better protect farmers in the long run and to ensure they are not locked into unfavourable terms streamlining the rules for the legal recognition of producer organisations strengthening producer organisations and their associations by allowing member states to grant them more financial support through CAP sectoral interventions encouraging young and new farmers to join recognised producer organisations through incentives defining the conditions of use of optional terms like 'fair', 'equitable', and 'short supply chain' when marketing agricultural products Main changes agreed by the Council The Council supports the main elements and the overarching goals of the proposal but suggests a series of improvements in its negotiating mandate. Written contracts The Commission proposed introducing compulsory written contracts for each delivery of agricultural products, with certain exceptions. In its mandate, the Council suggested a series of amendments clarifying who is covered by the obligation for written contracts. It also introduced further exceptions, with the aim of granting more flexibility to member states in adjusting the obligation to their specific needs, depending on the sector and product. In particular, member states will be able to decide that a written contract is not necessary if the first purchaser of agricultural products is a micro or small-sized enterprise, the delivery of goods takes place and payment is made at the same time, or if the value of deliveries does not exceed a maximum of €20 000. Revision clause for contracts Furthermore, farmers would be able to trigger the revision clause for long-term contracts after 12 months, instead of the six months proposed by the Commission. This aims to guarantee predictability and stability in the supply chain, while ensuring that farmers are protected, in particular in situations where the price they receive for their products no longer covers production costs. Mediation mechanism The Commission proposed establishing mandatory mediation mechanisms between farmers and their buyers to encourage parties to reach an amicable settlement in the event of disputes over the conclusion or review of a written contract. In order to reduce the administrative burden and respect the specific situation of member states, the Council agreed that the mediation mechanisms should be voluntary, meaning that it would be up to the member states to decide whether to establish them. Entry into force The Council agreed that there would be a transition period of two years, compared with the 18 months provided by the proposal. This will allow the agrifood sector to adapt and prepare for the new rules. Next steps With this agreement, the presidency is ready to start negotiations with the European Parliament, once the latter has reached its position. Background The CAP already provides for certain measures that aim to improve the position of farmers in the food supply chain. However, the pressure on agricultural incomes is expected to continue as farmers face increasing risks, rising input costs and more stringent production requirements. On 10 December 2024, the Commission put forward its proposed amendments to the current legal framework set in the regulation establishing a common market organisation of agricultural products. The proposal directly reflects several recommendations of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture and responds to some of the most pressing challenges that the agricultural sector is facing, including Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, rising input costs and increasing production requirements. Commission proposal The common agricultural policy explained (background information)

● European Council   19/05/2025 13:07 | Press release | EU-UK summit 2025: outcome documents   On 19 May 2025, the European Union and United Kingdom's leaders met in London for the first EU-UK summit since the UK withdrew from the EU. At the end of the meeting, the leaders adopted three documents: Joint Statement Security and Defence Partnership Common Understanding on a renewed agenda for European Union – United Kingdom cooperation

● Council of the EU

19/05/2025 10:43 | Press release | Council approves additional assistance for farmers affected by natural disasters in Mayotte and outermost regions   Today member states' representatives in the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) approved a Commission proposal to provide additional assistance and flexibility for outermost regions affected by natural disasters. This comes following the severe impact of cyclone Chido and tropical storm Dikeledi in Mayotte and the devastating consequences they have had for infrastructure and agricultural production on the island. The swift handling of this proposal within the Council highlights its commitment to ensuring rapid liquidity to support the affected population and help restore agricultural production. Main elements of the proposal The updated rules will allow national authorities to make exceptional adjustments to their programme of options specifically relating to remoteness and insularity (POSEI), which provides support for the EU's outermost regions. These changes mean farmers in disaster-stricken areas can continue to receive POSEI assistance, even if their agricultural activities are temporarily disrupted or halted. To qualify, farmers must commit to restoring their agricultural production capacity. This will help ensure the continuity of agricultural production and ease cash-flow issues during recovery. In light of the devastating damage caused by cyclone Chido and tropical storm Dikeledi, Mayotte will also be able to benefit from additional support. The new rules lift the 10% funding cap on emergency support introduced last autumn in response to the natural disasters that occurred in 2024. Furthermore, the deadline for selecting beneficiaries will be extended beyond 30 June 2025, to enable Mayotte to fully tap into available funding within its current rural development programme so that its agricultural sector can recover. Next steps The chair of the SCA will now officially inform the European Parliament of the Council's approval of the proposal and send the offer letter. The European Parliament's Committee on agriculture and rural development has indicated it would use the urgent procedure and the Parliament's position at first reading is expected to be adopted at their plenary in June. The regulation is then to be formally adopted by the Council and published in the Official Journal. Background The EU provides targeted assistance to agriculture in outermost regions, including Mayotte, due to their unique characteristics and challenges, such as their remoteness, size and increased vulnerability to climate change. In particular, through the POSEI scheme, the EU aims to guarantee the supply of essential agricultural products, develop the livestock sector and contribute to crop diversification, whilst also strengthening the competitiveness of traditional agricultural activities. The European agricultural fund for rural development (EAFRD) contribution to the rural development programme of Mayotte is €83.1 million for the 2014-22 programming period. Funded through the common agricultural policy, Mayotte's rural development programme has supported improvements to road infrastructure to better connect agricultural plots, and helped modernise farms to strengthen their competitiveness against imports. It also supports the viability of small farms, which play a key role in the local food supply. The proposal to amend the POSEI regulation was published by the Commission on 23 April 2025, following the devastating consequences of cyclone Chido and tropical storm Dikeledi in Mayotte, in order to support recovery efforts and ensure the continuity of agricultural production. Commission proposal POSEI scheme (Commission website) European agricultural fund for rural development (Commission website)   ● Council of the EU   19/05/2025 09:20 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Competitiveness Council (Internal market, industry, research and space) of 22 and 23 May 2025   The press briefing ahead of the Competitiveness Council will take place on Tuesday, 20 May at 09.00. This briefing will be "off the record". The press briefing will take place in a hybrid format: EU accredited journalists will be able to participate and ask questions either remotely or in person at the Europa building main press room. To attend the event remotely, please use this link to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the Competitiveness Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Tuesday, 20 May 2025, 08.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Meeting page - Competitiveness Council (Internal market and industry), 22 May 2025 Meeting page - Competitiveness Council (Research and space), 23 May 2025 ● European Council   16/05/2025 18:09 | Press release | Joint statement by the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, the United Kingdom, the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission after a meeting with President Maia Sandu of Moldova (16 May 2025)   We, the leaders of France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Romania, and the United Kingdom, together with the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission, met with President Maia Sandu on the margins of the European Political Community summit in Tirana. We reaffirm our strong and united support for the Republic of Moldova and its European future. We welcome Moldova’s continued commitment to democratic reform, the rule of law, and the values shared across the European Union. Moldova has made joining the European Union part of its Constitution, showing clearly that this is the path its people have chosen for their future. We are committed to supporting Moldova in becoming a prosperous, thriving democracy—where citizens enjoy the same opportunities and quality of life as people across the European Union. Moldova’s economic transformation is central to this vision. We will continue to support the country’s efforts to build a stronger, more competitive economy—one that creates jobs, attracts investment, and delivers tangible benefits to all Moldovans. We commend Moldova for maintaining stability in a challenging regional environment and for acting as a reliable partner for European peace and security. As the country prepares for upcoming parliamentary elections, it is essential that Moldovans are able to choose their future freely, without foreign interference. We will continue to support Moldova in safeguarding its democratic processes and strengthening its resilience against external threats. We stand with the people of Moldova as they continue on the path they have freely chosen—a better future within a strong, united, and peaceful Europe. ● Council of the EU   16/05/2025 17:00 | Meetings | Agenda highlights - Foreign Affairs Council and Foreign Affairs Council (Defence), 20 May 2025   The Foreign Affairs Council with Defence Ministers will discuss EU military support for Ukraine and defence readiness in the morning. The Foreign Affairs Council with Foreign Affairs Ministers will exchange views on the Russian aggression against Ukraine, and the situation in the Middle East including Syria in the afternoon. ● Council of the EU   16/05/2025 16:50 | Statements and remarks | International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia: Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union   Discrimination and harassment against LGBTI persons have no place anywhere in the world. Equality, freedom, human dignity, non-discrimination and justice are fundamental universal values that the EU firmly upholds. They are applicable to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The EU is deeply concerned that sexual orientation and gender identity are being used to justify human rights violations worldwide. LGBTI persons are disproportionately targeted by violence, discrimination, harassment and stigmatisation as well as disinformation weaponising hate against LGBTI persons. The EU denounces all forms of discrimination and harassment of LGBTI persons, including, hate speech and hate crimes. We reject all forms of incitement to violence, online and offline, and strongly condemn laws criminalising consensual same-sex conduct, which violate international human rights standards. Despite worrying setbacks in recent years, progress continues. Last year, two more countries decriminalised same-sex relations and several others witnessed positive advancements for human rights of LGBTI persons. Inclusive policies matter. We will step up action to combat inequalities and all forms of discrimination with a specific focus on multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination, including on grounds of sex, race, ethnic or social origin, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, disability, age, sexual orientation and gender identity. In the EU, we will continue to advance equality. The European Commission, as outlined in its political guidelines, will propose an updated strategy on LGBTIQ equality including on banning so-called conversion practices and on tackling persistent hate-motivated harassment and violence, including online. On IDAHOT Day, we reaffirm our strong commitment to respect, protect and fulfill the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by all LGBTI persons. We call on all governments to repeal discriminatory legislation, tackle hate crimes and hate speech, prevent violence and address systemic biases. Every person deserves to live free, equal, and with dignity. Human rights are for all of us — whoever we are, wherever we live, whomever we love.

● European Council

16/05/2025 14:43 | Press release | Opening remarks by President António Costa at the meeting of the European Political Community in Tirana   First of all thank you very much dear Edi (Rama) for your very warm, creative and inspiring welcome to this first EPC Summit which takes place here in the Western Balkans. The title of today’s meeting is very fitting – “A new Europe in a new world”. I believe that is the main question for the European Political Community today: what is Europe’s role in this new world? After the end of the Second World War, we built a new global order based on the UN Charter, international law and increasing trade and cooperation. That international order was not perfect. But it provided a solid framework for peace and growing prosperity, especially here in Europe. Now, that rules-based order is being undermined from many sides: Russia’s aggression against Ukraine brought large-scale war back to the European continent. This war is an assault on the international community, on all the principles we hold dear, like national sovereignty, the inviolability of international borders and territorial integrity; The situation in Gaza is a humanitarian tragedy, where international law is systematically violated; where a whole people is being subjected to crushing, disproportionate military force; For decades, international trade and economic cooperation connected peoples and spread mutual prosperity. Now, that interdependency is being turned into an instrument of power and pressure; Multilateralism has been the glue connecting humanity, with the United Nations at its core – peace and security, climate change, human rights, all of these global issues can only be advanced if we act collectively. And yet multilateralism is under relentless attack. Europe has an enormous stake in all of these areas. So our continent needs to join forces. Europe must succeed in bringing a just and lasting peace to Ukraine. International law must prevail. And we know, dear Volodymyr (Zelenskyy), that your security is also our security. Europe must also invest more in its own defence, because we have learned that peace without defence is an illusion. Europe must succeed in creating the conditions for a Two State solution in the Middle East – because continued neglect will not just undermine the stability of Europe’s neighbourhood; it will fatally weaken our moral authority in the world. Europe must succeed in deepening and extending its networks of global trade and prosperity; we should never give in to the temptation of protectionism; but we should always aim for mutually beneficial partnerships, and avoid a zero-sum mentality. Europe must succeed in defending multilateralism, by leading on the implementation of the Pact for the Future, by upholding the Paris Agreement on climate change, by protecting the Oceans like a global common good – and, of course, by remaining a staunch pillar of the United Nations. And Europe will succeed. I want to tell you today that the European Union is ready to play its full part in this “new Europe in a new world”, working closely with all our European partners. That the EU will remain a reliable partner, a predictable partner: in European integration; in economic and energy cooperation; in security and defence; in protecting our climate.  So use the energy, the motivation, the faces of these children and the energy of our friend Edi Rama to get to work, together, as Europeans.