Nachrichten

On 10 April 2025, EU institutions agreed on the first-ever legal framework for soil monitoring. The directive aims to track soil health, manage contamination risks, and prevent degradation. Importantly, it introduces no new obligations for farmers. Member States will assess soil using a unified EU method, including monitoring of PFAS and pesticides. Soil will be classified into condition categories and linked to voluntary EU targets and national triggers. Countries must publish lists of potentially contaminated sites within 10 years. Once formally approved, the directive enters into force 20 days after publication, with national implementation due in three years.
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President Trump imposed a blanket 10% tariff on all imports, and up to 145% on selected countries, including China. A 20% tariff on EU goods was announced but suspended for 90 days on 9 April to allow negotiations. The EU prepared retaliatory tariffs on agri-food products like beans, poultry, and almonds, effective in stages from 15 April. Meanwhile, China raised tariffs on US goods from 34% to 125%. These developments mark a significant escalation in global trade tensions, with agriculture and food exports heavily impacted.
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On 31 March 2025, the Special Committee on Agriculture met to discuss the European Commission’s Vision for Agriculture and Food, focusing on creating an attractive sector that provides a fair standard of living and new income opportunities. The majority of Member States expressed support for a strong CAP budget and its two-pillar structure, emphasizing economic viability, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. Delegations also stressed the importance of coupled payments, support for young farmers, and simplified administration. While views differed on limiting direct payments, most agreed on the need for balanced measures.

On 2 April 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a new set of tariffs, including a 20% duty on all imports from the EU effective 9 April 2025. This measure is part of a broader crackdown already including a 25% tariff on EU steel and aluminium from 12 March 2025, impacting 100 countries with rates between 10% and 50%. Ukraine will face an extra 10% tariff, while imports from Russia remain duty-free. Trump justified the tariffs by citing a claimed 39% EU tariff burden on US goods, a figure disputed by many. The European Commission condemned the move and is considering its own retaliatory measures.
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At the Agriculture Council meeting on 24 March 2025, Romania reiterated its call to make investments in breeding animals eligible for funding under the CAP’s strategic plans, particularly via EAFRD support. According to Romania, such investments would enha nce productivity and competitiveness, and deliver environmental and economic benefits. Background documents submitted by Romania proposed amending Article 73(3)(d) to include breeding animals as an eligible investment category. Although eight Member States expressed support, Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen declined the proposal, noting that existing mechanisms such as coupled support and sectoral interventions already offer Member States the flexibility to assist the livestock sector.