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During the latest meeting of European Union agriculture ministers, which took place on Monday, November 17, Ministers had a broader discussion concerning food security and targeting of support as well as crisis preparedness and reserves. They had the opportunity to share their views on whether or not the proposed income support for the common agricultural policy (CAP) after 2027 could achieve the objective of strengthening food security. They also exchanged views about which food security risks could be addressed by reserves of agricultural products, while keeping a market-orientated common agricultural policy.
There was broad support for ensuring flexibility for member states when implementing the direct payments. Many delegations were sceptical towards the introduction of capping and degressivity. Many considered that direct payments should target farmers who have food production as their main source of income, while others saw the need to provide such support also to part-time farmers. Delegations also expressed general support in relation to food stocks to ensure crisis preparedness, while highlighting the need for ensuring the proper functioning of the market.
The Council also took note of the information from Italy, supported by Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Portugal and Slovakia under ‘any other business’ on a reform of the common agricultural policy better aimed at addressing future challenges.
Furthermore, the delegations noted the Commission’s non-paper on adjusting the proposal on the future common agricultural policy and the budget structure.
On 16 July 2025, the Commission presented its proposals for the common agricultural policy after 2027. In September, the presidency informed delegations that it would organise thematic discussions on different aspects of the proposals at upcoming Council meetings. The first discussion, at October’s Council meeting, focused on green architecture. The second in November focused on how targeting of support can contribute to food security. The thematic discussions of the future common agricultural policy will be continued at the next Council meeting, 11-12 December 2025, where the theme is expected to be innovation and simplification.
November 17, 2025 / Consilium / European Union.
https://www.consilium.europa.eu
