COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT,update

 

Press material Thursday, 05 March 2026

● Council of the EU   05/03/2026 12:31 | Press release | Council adopts rules to combat cross-border unfair trading practices in the agrifood sector   Today the Council adopted the regulation concerning new rules aimed at combatting cross-border unfair trading practices in the agricultural and food supply chain. These new rules aim to improve cooperation between EU authorities responsible for enforcing rules on unfair trading practices in cases where suppliers and buyers are established in different member states. It’s part of the EU’s effort to support farmers in the supply chain, especially by insuring a fair distribution of income at farmers’ level. “Farmers are the backbone of our food systems, working tirelessly to feed us all. Ensuring fair treatment and protection of farmers within the food supply chain is essential. These new rules will strengthen the cross-border cooperation between national authorities in different member states, and give them a stronger voice in shaping the future of the food supply chain.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus Main elements of the updated regulation The regulation establishes a comprehensive set of rules for cross-border cooperation against unfair trading practices in business-to-business relationships within the agricultural and food supply chain. It enhances transnational cooperation in cases where suppliers and buyers are located in different member states. It also introduces a mutual assistance mechanism, which would enable national enforcement authorities to request and exchange information or to collaborate on investigations related to unfair trading practices. The framework will facilitate the enforcement of decisions concerning fines or penalties imposed in another member state, support the coordination of enforcement actions and allow member states to notify decisions related to unfair trading practices. Furthermore, the new legislation introduces rules on the allocation of costs in cases of mutual assistance, as well as rules on data protection and confidentiality of information, ensuring farmers and suppliers remain safe from potential retaliation. It also establishes a mechanism for coordinated action in cases of large-scale cross-border unfair trading practices involving at least three EU countries. In such cases, a coordinator would be designated to facilitate the response. The regulation contains rules for cooperation between Member States in cases of unfair trading practices by buyers from outside the EU, in order to better protect European farmers. Next steps The new rules will enter into force 18 months after their publication in the Official Journal of the EU to give member states the time to prepare the implementation of this new legal framework. Background In 2019, the directive on combatting unfair trading practices entered into force with the aim of addressing imbalances in bargaining power between suppliers and buyers of agricultural products. In particular, its goal was to protect farmers who, for instance, sell their products to big supermarkets and food processing companies. Based on the experience gained since then, the Commission considered that the cross-border dimension of unfair trading practices needed to be addressed. In fact, on average around 20% of agricultural and food products consumed in an EU member state come from another member state. The Commission published its proposal in December 2024, as part of the EU’s efforts to improve farmers’ position in the agrifood supply chain. The proposed rules also directly reflect several recommendations of the strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture and respond to some of the most pressing challenges that the agricultural sector faces. Deal on combating cross-border unfair trading practices (press release, 12 November 2025) Council negotiating mandate Commission proposal 2019 directive on combatting unfair trading practices   Visit the website

● Council of the EU

05/03/2026 12:35 | Press release | 2040 climate target: Council gives final green light   Today, the Council formally adopted the amended European climate law, introducing a binding intermediate climate target, for 2040, of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 1990 levels. This new target strengthens the EU’s path towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050 across all sectors of the economy. From 2036 onwards, high-quality international credits may be used up to a limit of 5% of 1990 EU net emissions to make an adequate contribution towards the 2040 target in a way that is both ambitious and cost-efficient. This means that at least 85% of emissions reductions must be achieved within the EU. Credits must be based on credible activities of GHG reduction in partner countries, in line with the Paris agreement. “The European Union remains committed to leading the global fight against climate change while protecting our competitiveness and ensuring no one is left behind. Today’s adoption of the landmark 2040 climate target will give industry, citizens and investors the reassurance they need for the clean transition in the decade ahead.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus The amended climate law sets out further key elements the Commission must consider when preparing its legislative proposals for the post‑2030 period, with a focus on competitiveness, simplification, social fairness, energy security and affordability, alongside other priorities. Among these elements are: EU-based permanent carbon removals (processes that involve capturing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and storing it durably) to compensate for residual hard-to-abate emissions under the EU emissions trading system enhanced flexibility within and across sectors and instruments, to support the achievement of targets in a simple and cost-effective way The amended climate law also shifts the date for the EU emissions trading system for road transport, buildings and other sectors (ETS2) to become fully operational by one year, moving it from 2027 to 2028. Next steps This adoption marks the final step in the legislative process. The amended regulation will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and will apply directly in all EU countries. The Commission will make relevant proposals to implement the binding EU 2040 climate target. The amended regulation also provides for a review of the European Climate Law every two years. Based on science and technological developments, the Commission will assess the climate law taking into account EU competitiveness, energy prices, net removals at EU level, and the flexibility for EU countries to use high-quality international credits to meet their post-2030 targets. The Commission will propose revisions to the climate law or additional measures where needed to support competitiveness and long-term prosperity. Background First adopted in 2021, the European climate law provides the legal foundation for the EU’s long-term climate policies, in line with the Paris agreement. It set a binding economy-wide target of climate neutrality by 2050 and a 2030 objective of reducing net emissions by at least 55%. It also provided for the establishment of an intermediate climate target for 2040. After publishing the communication 'Europe's 2040 climate target' in February 2024, the European Commission formally proposed the new climate target on 2 July 2025 through an amendment of the European climate law. In October 2025, the European Council provided strategic guidance on the way forward on the framework for establishing a target for 2040. In particular, EU leaders emphasised the need for a balanced approach that would preserve and boost the EU’s competitiveness, while ensuring a socially fair transition. They also called on the Commission to strengthen the supporting framework for European industry and citizens in achieving the 2040 target. Amended European climate law 2040 climate target: Council and Parliament agree on a 90% emissions reduction (press release, 10 December 2025) Statements Voting results European Council conclusions on competitiveness and the twin transition (23 October 2025)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   05/03/2026 13:57 | Statements and remarks | Joint statement by GCC-EU Ministers’ meeting on recent developments in the Middle East: Iran’s attacks against GCC states   The Foreign Ministers of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the European Union held an extraordinary meeting on 5 March 2026 to discuss the escalation in the Middle East and Iran's inexcusable attacks against the GCC countries. The GCC side was headed by His Excellency Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain and Chairman of the current session of the GCC Ministerial Council. His Excellency Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, Secretary-General of the GCC and the Foreign Ministers of the GCC Member Countries. The European side was headed by Her Excellency Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, with the participation of Her Excellency Dubravka Šuica and the Foreign Ministers of EU member states. The Ministers underscored the significance of the strategic partnership between the EU and the GCC, established under the 1988 Cooperation Agreement and re-confirmed with the EU-GCC Brussels Summit in October 2024. The Ministers strongly condemned the unjustifiable Iranian attacks against the GCC countries which threaten regional and global security and called on Iran to cease immediately its attacks. The European Union reaffirmed its solidarity with the countries of the GCC. The Ministers reiterated their commitment to regional stability and called for protection of civilians and full respect of international law, international humanitarian law and the obligation to abide by the principles of the United Nations Charter. The Ministers recalled that they consistently urged Iran to curb its nuclear programme and ballistic missile programme, refrain from destabilising activities in the region and in Europe, and to cease the appalling violence against its own people. The Ministers discussed the significant damage caused by the recent indiscriminate Iranian attacks against the GCC member states, which targeted civilian infrastructure, including oil facilities, service facilities and residential areas, resulting in material damage and threatening the security, safety and lives of civilians. The Ministers highlighted the extensive diplomatic efforts by the EU and its Member States and the GCC member states prior to the attacks, as well the latter’s commitment that their territories would not be used to launch attacks against Iran. The Ministers reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to dialogue and diplomacy as means to resolve the crisis, commending the constructive role of Oman in this regard, and highlighted the need to restore regional stability and security. The Ministers recalled the inherent right of the GCC countries, in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter, to defend themselves, individually and collectively, against the armed attacks of Iran. They affirmed that the GCC states have the right to take all necessary measures to defend their security and stability and protect their territories, citizens and residents in order to restore international peace and security. The Ministers recalled the responsibility of the UN Security Council in restoring and maintaining international peace and security. The Ministers agreed to joint diplomatic efforts to bring about a lasting solution to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, to cease production and proliferation of ballistic missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and any technologies that threaten the security of the region and beyond, as well as to refrain from destabilising activities in the region and in Europe, and ultimately allow the Iranian people to determine their future. The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of safeguarding regional air space, maritime routes, and freedom of navigation, including in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandeb, as well as the safety and security of supply chains and the stability of global energy markets. The Ministers stressed that the security and stability of the Gulf region are fundamental pillars of the stability of the global economy, intrinsically linked to European and global security. In that context, the Ministers recognised the importance of EU maritime defensive operation ASPIDES and operation ATALANTA to protect critical waterways and reduce disruption to supply chains, and encouraged coordination for the support of the operations. The Ministers also stressed the need to safeguard regional airspace and maritime routes, as well as energy security and nuclear safety. The European Union thanked the GCC member states for the hospitality and assistance provided to nationals from the EU on their soil. The European Union and its member states will continue to make every effort to allow for the safe departure of their citizens in close cooperation with the GCC member states.   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   05/03/2026 16:24 | Media advisory | Press briefing - Economic and Financial Affairs Council of 10 March 2026   The press briefing ahead of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council will take place on Monday, 9 March 2026 at 12.00 in the Europa building main press room. 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. To attend the event remotely, please use the link below to register and have the possibility to ask questions. Those who already registered for previous press events of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council do not need to do it again. Deadline for registration: Monday, 9 March 2026 at 11.00 Further instructions will be sent to all registered participants shortly after the deadline. Registration page Media accreditation for journalists   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   05/03/2026 18:30 | Press release | Council and Parliament reach provisional agreement to give farmers a stronger negotiating position in the food supply chain   The Council reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on a targeted amendment of the regulation on the common market organisation of agricultural products (CMO) as well as on the regulations governing the common agricultural policy (CAP). The agreement will give farmers a stronger negotiating position in the agrifood value chain. The updated framework supports more balanced and resilient supply chains, including making written contracts a general rule, reinforces producer organisations and contributes to greater income stability for farmers and fairer livelihoods in agriculture. The proposal also protects the denominations of meat and certain meat products to ensure consumer transparency and fair competition. “This agreement represents a meaningful step towards fairer and more resilient agricultural markets. By improving support for farmers and enhancing the role of producer organisations, we are giving farmers additional tools to secure a more predictable and sustainable future.” — Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus Main elements of the agreement The amendments to the CMO regulation focus on several key areas to strengthen farmers’ role in the supply chain: making written contracts between farmers and buyers a general requirement, with strengthened provisions, including a revision clause, to ensure that long-term contracts take account of market developments, cost fluctuations and economic conditions simplifying the rules for the legal recognition of producer organisations enabling member states to provide additional financial support to producer organisations and their associations under CAP sectoral interventions encouraging young and new farmers to join recognised producer organisations defining the conditions for using optional marketing terms such as 'fair', 'equitable' and 'short supply chain' to ensure clarity for both producers and consumers establishing rules on the protection of ‘meat’ term and the following meat-related names: beef, veal, pork, poultry, chicken, turkey, duck, goose, lamb, mutton, ovine, goat, drumstick, tenderloin, sirloin, flank, loin,  steak, ribs, shoulder, shank, chop, wing, breast, liver, thigh, brisket, ribeye, T-bone, rump and bacon to enhance transparency in the internal market and enable well-informed consumer choices. These terms shall be reserved for meat products only, therefore they cannot be used for products that do not contain meat such as for instance cell-cultured Next steps The provisional agreement will now need to be endorsed by the Council and the Parliament, before being formally adopted and entering into force. 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. At the same time it proposed a regulation to facilitate cross-border enforcement of the directive on unfair trading practices, on which the Council and the European Parliament reached agreement last month. The agreement 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 Council negotiating mandate The common agricultural policy explained (background information)   Visit the website ● Council of the EU   05/03/2026 19:02 | Meetings | Main results - Justice and Home Affairs Council (Home Affairs), 5 March 2026   Ministers discussed migration, Schengen, future of Europol, internal security, and endorsed the EU drugs strategy.   View meeting page

Υπηρεσία Τύπου Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο

Διαθέσιμο στα                             05-03-2026 Σύνοδος Ολομέλειας Ενημέρωση Νέα της Ολομέλειας - Στρασβούργο, 9-12 Μαρτίου 2026      Εξελίξεις στη Μέση Ανατολή και σύνοδος κορυφής της ΕΕ 19-20 Μαρτίου Συζήτηση για τις συνέπειες της στρατιωτικής επιχείρησης ΗΠΑ-Ισραήλ κατά του Ιράν και την ανάγκη στήριξης του ιρανικού λαού, καθώς και τις προσδοκίες του για τη σύνοδο της ΕΕ. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Στεγαστική κρίση στην Ευρώπη: σε ψηφοφορία οι προτάσεις του Κοινοβουλίου Οι ευρωβουλευτές θα υποβάλουν τις συστάσεις τους για την προώθηση αξιοπρεπούς, βιώσιμης και οικονομικά προσιτής στέγασης σε ολόκληρη την Ευρωπαϊκή Ένωση. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Παγκόσμια Ημέρα της Γυναίκας: ομιλία της Jackie Fox Οι ευρωβουλευτές θα ακούσουν τη μαρτυρία της μητέρας θύματος κυβερνοεκφοβισμού που αυτοκτόνησε, η οποία αγωνίζεται για να μην βρεθούν άλλα παιδιά στη θέση της κόρης της. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Άμυνα: αντιμετώπιση εμπορικών φραγμών, προώθηση ευρωπαϊκών έργων Το Κοινοβούλιο θα ψηφίσει επί δύο εκθέσεων για τη μετάβαση προς μια πραγματική ενιαία αγορά για την άμυνα και την κάλυψη κρίσιμων κενών στις αμυντικές δυνατότητες της ΕΕ. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Κράτος δικαίου στην Ελλάδα: συζήτηση για τις καταδίκες του «Predatorgate» Το Κοινοβούλιο θα συζητήσει με εκπροσώπους της Επιτροπής την κατάσταση του κράτους δικαίου στην Ελλάδα, στον απόηχο της καταδικαστικής απόφασης για το σκάνδαλο κατασκοπευτικού λογισμικού. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Ασφάλεια σιδηροδρόμων: δυστύχημα στην Ισπανία, τρίτη επέτειος για τα Τέμπη Στην ολομέλεια του Κοινοβουλίου θα συζητηθούν, με εκπροσώπους της Επιτροπής, μαθήματα από τις πρόσφατες σιδηροδρομικές τραγωδίες στην Ισπανία και οι τελευταίες εξελίξεις στην Ελλάδα. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Ενίσχυση της εταιρικής σχέσης ΕΕ-Καναδά εν μέσω παγκόσμιας αναταραχής Το Κοινοβούλιο αναμένεται να ζητήσει εμβάθυνση της συνεργασίας ΕΕ-Καναδά για την αντιμετώπιση απειλών και την τόνωση του εμπορίου στο πλαίσιο της αύξησης των γεωπολιτικών εντάσεων. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Νέα δέσμη μέτρων για την ενέργεια και ενεργειακές προοπτικές της Βόρειας Θάλασσας Οι ευρωβουλευτές θα εξετάσουν την προταθείσα από την Επιτροπή «δέσμη ενεργειακών μέτρων για τους πολίτες» και την ανάγκη για καθαρές, ανεξάρτητες και ασφαλείς πηγές ενέργειας. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Μεγαλύτερη προστασία για τους παραθεριστές που χρησιμοποιούν «πακέτα διακοπών» Το Κοινοβούλιο θα ψηφίσει για την επικαιροποίηση της οδηγίας για τα οργανωμένα ταξίδια, προκειμένου να αποσαφηνιστούν τα δικαιώματα για βοήθεια και αποζημίωση σε περιπτώσεις διακοπής. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Στρατηγική διεύρυνσης της ΕΕ Το Κοινοβούλιο θα αξιολογήσει τόσο την πολιτική προσέγγιση όσο και την μέθοδο της ΕΕ για την ένταξη υποψηφίων χωρών στην Ένωση. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Σεξουαλική κακοποίηση παιδιών στο διαδίκτυο: ψηφοφορία για παράταση ισχύος των κανόνων Η ισχύουσα εξαίρεση από τη νομοθεσία για την προστασία της ιδιωτικής ζωής, η οποία επιτρέπει τον εθελοντικό εντοπισμό υλικού σεξουαλικής κακοποίησης παιδιών στο διαδίκτυο, λήγει τον Απρίλιο. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Προστασία του πνευματικού έργου στην εποχή της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης Το Κοινοβούλιο αναμένεται να ζητήσει μέτρα για την προστασία του έργου του δημιουργικού τομέα της ΕΕ από την εκμετάλλευση της τεχνητής νοημοσύνης. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Οι προτεραιότητες του Κοινοβουλίου για οικονομικά, κοινωνικά και εργασιακά θέματα Το Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο θα συζητήσει και θα ψηφίσει για τις οικονομικές, κοινωνικές και εργασιακές προτεραιότητές του για το 2026. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Κατάργηση των φραγμών της ενιαίας αγοράς Συζήτηση με το Συμβούλιο και την Επιτροπή για τη μείωση της γραφειοκρατίας, την άρση των εμποδίων και την αξιοποίηση της πλήρους δυναμικής της ενιαίας αγοράς. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Προϋπολογισμός 2027: οι προτεραιότητες του Ευρωπαϊκού Κοινοβουλίου Η ολομέλεια θα ψηφίσει για τις κατευθυντήριες γραμμές του προϋπολογισμού της ΕΕ για το 2027, καθορίζοντας πού θέλουν οι ευρωβουλευτές να επικεντρωθεί η πρόταση της Επιτροπής. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Ομιλία του πρωθυπουργού της Αρμενίας Nikol Pashinyan στο Κοινοβούλιο Ο πρωθυπουργός της Αρμενίας Nikol Pashinyan θα εκφωνήσει ομιλία στην αίθουσα της ολομέλειας του ΕΚ στο Στρασβούργο. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Ευρωπαϊκό Τάγμα Αξίας: ανακοίνωση των πρώτων βραβευθέντων Την Τρίτη, περίπου στις 12:45 (ώρα Γαλλίας) στην ολομέλεια, η πρόεδρος Metsola θα ανακοινώσει τους πρώτους αποδέκτες του Ευρωπαϊκού Τάγματος Αξίας. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Συζήτηση για την αύξηση της πολιτικής βίας Την Τετάρτη, οι ευρωβουλευτές και η Επιτροπή θα συζητήσουν την αύξηση της πολιτικής βίας στην ΕΕ, ιδίως αυτή που αποδίδεται σε ακροαριστερές οργανώσεις. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Άλλα θέματα που θα συζητηθούν στην ολομέλεια Κατά τη διάρκεια της ολομέλειας θα συζητηθούν και θα ψηφιστούν και άλλα θέματα, τα σημαντικότερα εκ των οποίων παρατίθενται παρακάτω. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................   Σύνδεσμοι  Το σχέδιο της ημερήσιας διάταξης  Παρακολουθήστε ζωντανά την ολομέλεια (EbS+)  Συνεντεύξεις Τύπου και άλλες εκδηλώσεις  Κέντρο Πολυμέσων του ΕΚ  Ευρωπαϊκό Κοινοβούλιο - Φάκελος για τα ΜΜΕ   Κυριάκος ΚΛΩΣΙΔΗΣ Press Officer (EL) (+32) 2 28 32357 (BXL) (+32) 470 96 47 35 kyriakos.klosidis@europarl.europa.eu typos-EL@europarl.europa.eu     Το μήνυμα αυτό στάλθηκε στη διεύθυνση v.ch.maria@gmail.com    Press service European Parliament   Available in                             05-03-2026 Plenary session Briefing Newsletter - 9-12 March 2026 - Strasbourg plenary session      Debate on the situation in the Middle East and the 19-20 March EU summit On Wednesday, MEPs will debate the US-Israel military operation against Iran, its consequences and the need to support Iranians, as well as expectations for the 19-20 March EU summit. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Parliament’s proposals to address Europe’s housing crisis On Tuesday, MEPs will set out their recommendations to promote decent, sustainable, and affordable housing across the European Union. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    International Women’s Day To mark International Women’s Day, on Tuesday MEPs will hear the testimony of Jackie Fox, who campaigns in memory of her daughter, a victim of cyberbullying. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Tackling trade barriers to defence and promoting European defence projects On Wednesday, Parliament will outline proposals for moving towards a genuine EU single market for defence and closing critical EU defence capability gaps. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Call for a stronger EU–Canada partnership amid global turmoil MEPs are set to call for deeper EU-Canada cooperation to tackle security threats and boost trade in the context of rising geopolitical tensions. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    New “Energy Package” and the North Sea energy outlook On Tuesday, MEPs will discuss the Commission’s proposed “Energy Package”, and on Wednesday, they will debate the need for clean, independent, and secure energy sources. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    More protection for holidaymakers using travel packages On Thursday, MEPs are expected to confirm an update of the Package Travel Directive to clarify holidaymakers’ rights to assistance and compensation in cases of travel disruption. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    The EU’s enlargement strategy On Tuesday MEPs will evaluate the EU’s political approach and methodology on enlargement, followed by a plenary vote on Wednesday. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Child sexual abuse online: vote on extending rules due to expire in April Parliament will vote on prolonging an exemption to privacy legislation allowing the voluntary detection of child sexual abuse material online. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Protecting copyrighted creative work in the age of AI On Tuesday, MEPs are expected to call for measures to protect the EU’s creative sector against exploitation by artificial intelligence. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Parliament’s economic, social and employment priorities for 2026 On Tuesday, Parliament will discuss its economic, social and employment priorities for the EU. Two resolutions on the subject will be put to a vote on Wednesday. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Tackling single market barriers MEPs, Commission and Council will debate reducing bureaucracy, removing obstacles and unleashing the single market’s full potential, including for financial services. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    MEPs to vote on Parliament’s priorities for the 2027 EU budget On Wednesday, plenary will vote on the guidelines for the 2027 EU budget, setting out what MEPs want the Commission to focus on in its upcoming proposal. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Rule of law in Greece: MEPs discuss “Predatorgate” convictions On Wednesday, Parliament will debate with Council and Commission representatives the rule of law situation in Greece, after sentences were handed down over a spyware scandal. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Prime Minister of Armenia Nikol Pashinyan to address Parliament On Wednesday at 12.00, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will give a speech at the hemicycle in Strasbourg. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    New Framework Agreement for Parliament and the Commission On Wednesday, plenary is set to approve a revised agreement comprising rules for cooperation with the Commission in legislative, budgetary, and political matters. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    European Order of Merit: announcement of inaugural recipients On Tuesday at around 12.30 in plenary, President Metsola will announce the first recipients of the European Order of Merit. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    The rise of political violence On Wednesday, MEPs and the Commission will debate the rise in political violence in the EU, notably that attributed to far-left organisations. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Resolutions on human rights and democracy Parliament will hold urgent debates on the following human rights, democracy and rule of law topics on Wednesday afternoon, followed by votes on Thursday. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    EU aid to support workers made redundant in Belgium MEPs are set to vote on a Commission proposal to help workers laid-off by the Belgian branch of Tupperware to find a new job following its bankruptcy. ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................    Other topics on the agenda Other topics on the agenda ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................   Further information  Draft agenda  Follow the plenary live  Press conferences and other events  EP Multimedia Centre  European Parliament Press Tool Kit   Andreas KLEINER Press Officer / Editorial Coordinator (DE) (+32) 2 28 32266 (BXL) (+33) 3 881 72336 (STR) (+32) 498 98 33 22 andreas.kleiner@europarl.europa.eu   Estefanía NARRILLOS Press Officer / Editorial Coordinator (ES) (+32) 2 28 31324 (BXL) (+33) 3 881 73661 (STR) (+32) 498 98 39 85 estefania.narrillos@europarl.europa.eu   Eoghan WALSH Press Officer (IE) +32 228 32591 (BXL) (+32) 485 399443 eoghan.walsh@europarl.europa.eu     This message was sent to v.ch.maria@gmail.com    Press service European Parliament   Available in       Press release 05-03-2026 AGRI   Deal on measures to reinforce farmers’ position in the food supply chain       • Fair prices for farmers’ products • Clearer labelling and advertising rules • Stricter labelling rules for some meat products for the first time On Thursday, Parliament and Council negotiators agreed on new provisions to strengthen the contractual position of farmers to help stabilise their income. The informal agreement reached by the co-legislators seeks to ensure that the final prices of food products reflect multiple factors, notably the actual costs of production that are borne by farmers and that have a direct impact on their income. Among the agreed measures, member states would be required to establish and publish online indicators to be used as benchmarks in contractual arrangements. The agreed text also includes provisions to reinforce the role of producer organisations (POs) in market organisation and collective bargaining, such as having POs engage directly with buyers and setting up rules to prevent buyers from contacting individual producers directly. Labelling and marketing The provisional agreement clarifies use of the terms “fair” or “equitable” for agricultural products and lists the criteria for allowing such labelling. Thanks to Parliament’s negotiators, such criteria would, for instance, include a product’s contribution to rural community development and the promotion of farmer organisations. The agreed text would also introduce a definition of meat as “edible parts of animals” and specifies that names, such as steak and liver, must be reserved for products containing meat and must exclude lab-grown products. The term “short supply chain” on labels or in advertising should only be used for goods that are produced in the EU with a limited number of intermediaries between the farmer and the final consumer, or that are handled over a short distance or during a short traveling time. Support for the dairy sector Finally, the co-legislators agreed on measures, such as mandatory written contracts to support dairy producers’ incomes in light of the challenging conditions faced by the sector. Such contracts would have opt outs for price indicators, and revision clauses. Quote Rapporteur Céline Imart (EPP, FR) said: “The agreement reached today constitutes a major victory for our farmers. Secured contracts will guarantee them a fair place in the value chain, and the requirement for a mediation mechanism will safeguard their income in the event of a dispute with their primary buyer. Granting unrecognised producer organisations an exemption from competition law will also enable farmers to better organise themselves, strengthen their weight within the value chain, and protect their income. With regard to the protection of the designation “meat”, this agreement represents an undeniable success for our livestock farmers. By reserving the use of the terms ‘steak’ and ‘liver’ for products from our livestock farmers, and by committing the co-legislators to extend the list during negotiations within the framework of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy, Parliament has taken a decisive step forward. The trilogue agreement reached today recognises the value of livestock farmers’ work and protects their products, fruits of unique know-how, against a form of unfair competition. Moreover, the explicit inclusion in the text of the prohibition on using the designation ‘meat’ for any laboratory-grown or cell-based product constitutes a decisive step forward for our farmers and for the preservation of the agricultural and food heritage that we defend.” Next steps The provisional agreement now needs to be approved by both Parliament and Council before the new rules can enter into force. Background Responding to the difficulties and challenges faced by EU farmers in recent years, the Commission put forward a proposal in December 2024 to amend some of the rules on the common organisation of the markets in agricultural products (CMO), to reinforce the position of farmers in the food supply chain. The proposal seeks to enhance the existing provisions on contracts involving farmers, reinforce the bargaining power of producer organisations, simplify their recognition, and establish an incentive framework for voluntary schemes and social sustainability initiatives benefiting farmers. The proposal is linked to a new regulation on cross-border cooperation in the enforcement of the directive on unfair trading practices, which also ties in with efforts to improve farmers’ position. Further information  Procedure file  Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development   Eliana CAPRETTI Press Officer +32 2 28 40055 (BXL) +32 473 33 25 82 eliana.capretti@europarl.europa.eu agri-press@ep.europa.eu EP_Agriculture     This message was sent to v.ch.maria@gmail.com

06-03-2026 Plenary session Press briefing on next week’s plenary session

Spokespersons for Parliament and for the political groups will hold a briefing on the 9 - 12 March plenary session, on Friday at 11.00 in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room. WHEN: Friday 6 March at 11.00 WHERE: Anna Politkovskaya press room in Brussels and via Interactio Key topics next week include: - Debate on the US-Israel military operation against the Iranian regime and on the 19-20 March EU summit. - Tackling Europe’s housing crisis: debate and vote on the recommendations by Parliament’s special committee on housing - Debate and vote on an EU single market for defence - Debate on the Commission’s energy package and the need for clean, independent and secure energy - Debate and vote on an update of the Package Travel Directive to protect travellers - Debate on unleashing the single market’s full potential, including for financial services - Child sexual abuse online: vote on prolonging an exemption to privacy legislation allowing for the voluntary detection of child sexual abuse material online - Protecting copyrighted work in the age of AI: vote - MEPs to mark International Women’s Day - Formal sitting with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan - Announcement of the first laureates of the European Order of Merit Interpretation of the press briefing will be available in English and French. You can follow it live from 11.00 on Friday in Parliament’s Anna Politkovskaya press room or via Parliament’s webstreaming and EbS. Information for the media - Use of Interactio to ask questions Journalists wishing to participate actively and ask questions, please connect via Interactio using this link: https://ep.interactio.eu/link/pressconfp1254698545582 Interactio is only supported on iPads (with the Safari browser) and Mac/Windows (with the Google Chrome browser). For more details, check the connection guidelines and recommendations for remote speakers. When connecting, enter your name and the media you are representing in the first name / last name fields. For better sound quality, use headphones and a microphone. Interpretation is only possible for questions asked on video. Journalists who have never used Interactio before are asked to connect 30 minutes before the start of the press conference to perform a connection test. IT assistance can be provided if necessary. When connected, open the chat window (upper right corner) to be able to see the service messages.

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