European Union News - Agriculture & Fisheries

The European Commission presented new measures to regulate fishing for deep-sea species and their habitats in the North-East Atlantic. Among the measures, the Commission proposes a reinforced licensing system and a gradual phase-out of those fishing gears that specifically target deep sea species in a less sustainable manner.

In addition to the presentation given by the Cyprus Presidency on its work programme in the agriculture and fisheries sectors, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting also held two public debates on the proposals for regulations on rural development and the common organisation of the markets in agricultural products within the framework of the common agricultural policy (CAP) reform.

The Fisheries Committee at the European Parliament highlighted during a vote celebrated in 11 of July that failing to manage EU stocks sustainably means that 75% of them are overfished, costing the EU about €1.8 billion a year. MEPs therefore stresses that common fisheries policy reform must make fisheries sustainable, to ensure the survival of fishing fleets and coastal areas. Moreover, a deal with the Council ban EU imports of fish from overfished stocks and related species was unanimously endorsed by the Fisheries Committee.

The European Commission announced that the two-year transition period for the organic food sector to comply with new EU labelling rules is reaching its end. As from 1 July 2012, the EU organic logo will be obligatory on all pre-packaged organic food products produced in EU Member States which meet the necessary standards.

The EU will contribute with €35.9 million of a total of €70.7 million to 20 programmes to promote agricultural products in the European Union and in third countries. The selected programmes cover fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, milk and milk products, PDOs (Protected Designations of Origin), PGIs (Protected Geographical Indications) and TSGs (Traditional Specialities Guaranteed), seed oil, wine and meat.

According to a report from the European Court of Auditors (ECA), a number of competent authorities in the Member States do not sufficiently fulfill their supervisory role over control bodies. In addition, among other conclusions, the system governing the various import schemes was also found to have weaknesses.

The European Commission will recover a total of €436 million of CAP expenditure from the Member States. This money returns to the EU budget because of non-compliance with EU rules or inadequate control procedures on agricultural expenditure. In addition, in order to take account of the financial pressures being felt by some Member States due to the financial crisis, the reimbursement of disallowed funds will be up to 18 months for some Member States. The first Member State to apply for this facility is Greece.

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.