According to many delegations which met at the latest meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, the CAP reform package presented by the Commission does not take very much into account the six principles outlined in March 2011. Most of European Ministers also were agreed that the introduction of a definition of active farmer could significantly increase the administrative burden. Ministers also were briefed on the Russian ban of EU livestock and about the current drought situation in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting focused, besides on the regulation on the common fisheries policy (CFP), on the simplification of the common agricultural policy (CAP) within the framework of the CAP reform package. Many delegations expressed regret that the six principles which were outlined in March 2011, have not been taken sufficiently into account in the CAP reform package presented by the Commission. As regards direct payments, most delegations expressed concern over the introduction of a definition of active farmer as that could significantly increase the administrative burden. Many Member States suggested that it should be left to subsidiarity.

In addition, many delegations found that programming has become much more complex in the new proposals, with numerous requirements regarding content. In parallel,evaluation and monitoring requirements have been extended resulting in a very complex and burdensome system for the authorities and the beneficiaries. Furthermore, several delegations highlighted that the principles of proportionality and risk-based approach should have been applied further, especially for controls and sanctions in the framework of the financing of the CAP.

During the meeting, the Council were also briefed by Latvian and Estonian delegations on the Russian ban of EU livestock, due to expansion of new Schmallenberg virus in Europe and non-compliance of Russians import/export requirements by the EU economic operators, which mainly affects the trade in live pigs. The Commission disagrees with this measure and pointed out that these restrictions are not based upon scientific fact, necessity or proportionality.

On the other hand, the Portuguese and Spanish delegations briefed the Ministers about the current drought situation in the Iberian Peninsula and they asked for supporting measures, specially measures to compensate farmers for increased costs caused by drought. The demands will be examined in the coming weeks by the Commission.