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On 1 January 2026, Cyprus will assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU, prioritising the strengthening of strategic autonomy, economic competitiveness, and advancing talks on the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. The Cypriot programme includes focusing on a predictable regulatory environment and a stable internal market in response to ongoing geopolitical and climate pressures. Special emphasis will be placed on helping shape the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027, supporting fair and sustainable primary production, and maintaining income stability for farmers. The Presidency aims to simplify agricultural legislation and prepare for a political agreement on the new MFF by the end of 2026 to ensure smooth funding from 2028.
More information is available here.

On 18 December 2025, around 10,000 farmers from all 27 EU Member States, mobilized by Copa-Cogeca, marched peacefully in Brussels to urge EU institutions to support a robust and well-funded Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027 with its current two-pillar structure intact. The joint manifesto demanded fairer trade, including a halt to ratifying the EU-Mercosur agreement unless strict import standards are enforced. Farmers also called for real regulatory simplification, a delay to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for fertilisers, and quicker plant protection product approvals. The protest marked the largest farm rally in three decades. Copa-Cogeca presented these demands directly to top EU leaders and stressed that continued pressure will follow on CAP, trade agreements, and regulatory changes for agriculture. Separate, uncoordinated protests by young farmers turned violent, but Copa-Cogeca distanced itself from these actions and maintained a focus on constructive dialogue.

On 16 and 18 December 2025, the General Affairs Council and European Council formally began discussions on the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) using a draft 'negotiating box' from the Danish Presidency. This document sets out broad thematic priorities for debate, rather than specific budget figures, enabling EU leaders to consider the structure and direction of the next EU budget. Key proposals discussed included future funding tools like the European Competitiveness Fund and measures for global engagement. The debate remained high-level without addressing concrete allocations, confirming the political launch of negotiations. The incoming Cypriot Presidency has been tasked to continue the work, with a target to reach agreement by end-2026 so legislation can be adopted in 2027, ensuring support continues seamlessly from January 2028.
More information here.

On 9 December 2025, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a deal on the Omnibus simplification package, which streamlines Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) obligations. The agreement significantly reduces the number of companies affected: for CSRD, only firms with at least 1,000 employees and €450 million turnover must report, with financial holding companies excluded. For CSDD, the rules now cover only companies with more than 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion turnover. Mandatory supply chain mapping is replaced by general risk identification, the obligation for a climate transformation plan is scrapped, and EU-wide civil liability is dropped in favor of national rules. Penalties are capped and application is delayed to July 2029.
More information here and here.

On 9 December 2025, the Council of the EU and the European Parliament reached a deal on the Omnibus simplification package, which streamlines Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDD) obligations. The agreement significantly reduces the number of companies affected: for CSRD, only firms with at least 1,000 employees and €450 million turnover must report, with financial holding companies excluded. For CSDD, the rules now cover only companies with more than 5,000 employees and €1.5 billion turnover. Mandatory supply chain mapping is replaced by general risk identification, the obligation for a climate transformation plan is scrapped, and EU-wide civil liability is dropped in favor of national rules. Penalties are capped and application is delayed to July 2029.
More information here and here.