The debate held by ministers at the Council meeting of 18 of June shows a broadly support to the principle that the CAP should significantly contribute to addressing the challenges concerning environment. However the Council is divided on setting a threshold in recital 28 of the rural development proposal. On the other hand, Ministers approved the conclusions on the protection and welfare of animals.

Member States broadly support that the CAP should significantly contribute to addressing the challenges concerning environment, biodiversity and climate change mitigation and adaptation. However, the Council was divided on setting a threshold in recital 28 of the rural development proposal, where the Commission suggests, as a guideline that Member States spend a minimum of 25% of the total contribution from the European agricultural fund for rural development (EAFRD) to each rural development programme on climate change mitigation and adaptation and land management. Some delegations opposed a minimum requirement while others welcomed the proposal and suggested that a binding obligation be set for all Member States. Recently, in June 2012, the EU and China signed a Cooperation Plan on Agriculture and Rural Development.

In addition, the Commission's proposal envisages a single maximum co-financing rate for most of the measures supported by the EAFRD with only some exceptions which could benefit from higher co-financing rates. Some delegations expressed support for this proposal as it stands while other delegations made a number of suggestions for a higher standard rate and higher rates for operations contributing to the objectives of environment and climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as risk management and innovation.

On the other hand, the Council adopted the conclusions on the rules that aim to eliminate technical barriers to trade in live animals and to allow market organisations to operate smoothly, while ensuring a satisfactory level of protection for the animals concerned. This new  four-year strategy is aimed at further improving the protection and welfare of animals in the EU primarily through the possibility of establishing a new comprehensive legislative framework for animal welfare and via the reinforcement of existing actions.