News

The European Parliament and Council of the EU have reached a preliminary political agreement on new rules for new genomic techniques (NGT). The framework, aimed at making EU agriculture more competitive and resilient, replaces the 2001 GMO regime and introduces a two-tiered system: NGT-1 varieties, with changes possible through traditional breeding, require only one national check, while progeny are exempt from further controls. These products won't need special consumer labelling, except for seeds. Stricter rules for NGT-2, covering traits like herbicide resistance, ensure GMO-like controls and allow countries to limit cultivation. The agreement includes provisions for better intellectual property transparency, with variety patent data to be registered in an EU database and a study on patent impacts due within a year. The new rules still require formal approval and would take effect two years after publication.
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The European Parliament plans to advocate for a 10% increase in the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028–2034, raising it from the Commission’s proposed EUR 1.614 trillion to EUR 1.783 trillion (2025 prices), or about 1.15% of the EU's gross national income. The draft allocates €89 billion more to regional and agricultural aid, €58 billion to competitiveness, and €21 billion to external action. Priority areas include funding for the European Competitiveness Fund, research, innovation, infrastructure, education, and targeted sector initiatives. The proposal also encourages introducing new EU budget revenues—such as a digital tax—potentially reducing the reliance on direct Member State contributions. Parliament is critical of some simplifications in the Commission’s approach, warning they may mostly benefit internal processes rather than final beneficiaries. This proposal will be considered by other parliamentary committees ahead of a plenary vote in May 2026.
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The European Ombudsman has formally concluded that the European Commission violated key principles of good lawmaking during the 2024 preparation of the first CAP simplification package. The Ombudsman found the Commission acted too quickly, bypassed required impact assessments, and failed to consult relevant stakeholders—particularly environmental groups—when drafting the rules that eased some environmental requirements for farmers. While the package was rushed in response to farmer protests, the Ombudsman criticised the lack of documentation and the exclusion of environmental voices. Anaïs Berthier of ClientEarth welcomed the Ombudsman’s recommendation that CAP reforms must be evidence-based. Though not binding, these findings could shape the upcoming 2026 CAP reforms, emphasizing the ongoing need for transparency and proper procedure under political pressure.
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EU Member States are approaching agreement on merging agricultural and cohesion policy funds into a single, nationally managed fund for the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The draft plan—backed by the Danish Presidency and due to be discussed at the December European Council—would combine the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and regional aid, consolidating two substantial budget items under national management with frameworks negotiated with the European Commission. The proposal, originally laid out by President Ursula von der Leyen, sparked resistance from farming groups, regions and the European Parliament, worried about losing separate programmes and dedicated agricultural funding. However, after adjustments and negotiations, the Parliament has softened its stance. Despite objections from some countries, most Member States now support the merged fund, which would mark the most significant overhaul of the EU budget in decades. Large-scale protests from agricultural NGOs are planned during the final Council decision set for 18–19 December 2025.
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Copa-Cogeca, Europe’s largest farmers’ organization, is organizing a major protest in Brussels on 18 December 2025 to coincide with the European Council summit. The demonstration targets planned cuts to CAP funding and concerns about ongoing trade agreements. Around forty national member delegations are supporting the action, and the organizers expect some 10,000 farmers with 1,000 tractors to participate from across Europe. Italy’s CIA-Agricoltori Italiani highlights the essential role of agriculture, while France’s FNSEA will protest against the EU-Mercosur deal. Farmers from the Czech Republic and Slovakia also plan to attend. The protest reflects broad opposition to policy changes affecting agriculture’s future. The total number of participants will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
More information here.