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On 6 January 2026, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen detailed proposed agricultural funding in the draft EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028–2034. The plan sets a dedicated CAP envelope of €293.7 billion and suggests allowing Member States to frontload up to two-thirds of review-period funds, potentially unlocking €45 billion earlier. National and Regional Plans must reserve at least 10% for rural investments, with extra funding possible through the "Catalyst Europe" loan facility. Crisis management would be supported by a €6.3 billion "Unity Safety Net" and flexible components in national plans. Total potential funding could reach €400 billion if all options are adopted, though amounts above the base rely on national decisions. The letter proposes a governance model that weighs socio-economic criteria, not just environmental ones. Member States' reactions to the MFF proposal remain mixed.
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The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union has announced its main priorities for its term running from 1 January to 30 June 2026. Focusing on strengthening institutional cohesion and promoting strategic autonomy, Cyprus highlighted the importance of agriculture and fisheries for rural and coastal areas. Key aims include advancing a competitive and sustainable primary sector, progressing with Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reform after 2027, and enhancing the Common Fisheries Policy. The Presidency will focus on developing legal frameworks to help farmers and fishers address challenges such as climate change, market fluctuations, and rising production costs. Addressing global security and economic resilience are also top priorities for Cyprus.
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The French government has decided to delay the ban on single-use plastic cups by four years, moving its implementation from 2026 to 2030. Businesses will have a year after the new deadline to sell off existing stocks. The Department for Green Transformation stated the postponement follows persistent technical challenges in finding alternatives that match single-use cups in safety, functionality, and availability. The government will reassess the situation in 2028 to decide whether the 2030 deadline remains viable. France is gradually implementing stricter laws to eliminate single-use plastics by 2040, including a 2022 ban on plastic packaging for some fruits and vegetables. However, enforcement remains challenging, with a 2023 consumer watchdog report finding violations in nearly 20% of companies, involving incorrectly labelled or falsely claimed plastic-free products.
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On 4 January 2026, the French government announced plans to adopt a decree that would suspend imports of fruit containing residues of plant protection products banned in the European Union. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu explained that this move aims to safeguard consumers and address unfair competition against French farmers. The decree is set to target four EU-banned active substances—mancozeb, glufosinate, thiophanate-methyl, and carbendazim—and will impact products such as avocados, mangoes, guavas, citrus fruits, grapes, and apples, particularly from South America and Mercosur countries. Additional measures include stricter checks at borders by specialized teams to ensure compliance. The initiative reflects ongoing EU discussions on enforcing reciprocity in agricultural standards and may have trade implications. France is currently awaiting the European Commission's feedback.
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On 22 December 2025, China’s Ministry of Commerce announced preliminary countervailing duties on selected European Union dairy imports, effective the following day. The provisional tariffs, ranging from 21.9% to 42.7%, mainly target cheese, milk, and cream from various EU Member States, citing alleged EU subsidies as violating international trade rules. This action escalates trade tensions, following recent duties on EU pork, and comes ahead of final decisions expected in February 2026. The new tariffs are set to immediately affect exports and competitiveness for European dairy producers. The European Commission, which previously opposed the investigation at the WTO, is assessing further legal responses.
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