Press Release: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Brussels, 23 September 2013

Amongst items discussed:

As regards agriculture, the Council held a public debate on the state of play regarding the common agricultural policy (CAP) reform package after a political agreement was reached in June with the other EU institutions. The Presidency reported to the ministers that on direct payments and rural development, the European Parliament considers that some issues linked to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2014-2020 are not part of the political agreement on the CAP reform package. The Presidency underlined the need to find an agreement with the European Parliament which will not put in danger the whole political agreement on CAP reform reached in June and long awaited by farmers and other stakeholders in the whole food chain in the EU. On this basis, ministers made a final adjustment to the Council mandate on the outstanding points and prepared the next steps towards finalisation and adoption of the CAP reform package in the coming days.

Finally, ministers were briefed on a number of items including the new EU.

ESO: Background information: Agriculture and Fisheries Council, 23 September 2013 http://www.europeansources.info/record/memo-agriculture-and-fisheries-council-23-september-2013/

ESO: Background information: Reform of the Common agricultural policy Adjustment of the Council position for MFF related issues http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-reform-of-the-common-agricultural-policy-adjustment-of-the-council-position-for-mff-related-issues/

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