News

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.

On 11 December 2025, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), under the Danish Presidency, discussed the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027 and the role of innovation. Ministers stressed that faster technology adoption is crucial for competitiveness and productivity, with Denmark highlighting the need for increased research funding in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework and European Competitiveness Fund. While innovation was widely supported, ministers expressed concerns about a lack of simplification in the current reform proposal, calling for reduced red tape and clearer rules. The presidency introduced the idea of replacing the two-pillar CAP structure with one set of environmental rules, lump-sum payments, and greater national flexibility. Member states emphasized the importance of a strong common policy for fair competition and flexibility in implementing green transition tools.
More information here.

On 11 December 2025, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), under the Danish Presidency, discussed the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027 and the role of innovation. Ministers stressed that faster technology adoption is crucial for competitiveness and productivity, with Denmark highlighting the need for increased research funding in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework and European Competitiveness Fund. While innovation was widely supported, ministers expressed concerns about a lack of simplification in the current reform proposal, calling for reduced red tape and clearer rules. The presidency introduced the idea of replacing the two-pillar CAP structure with one set of environmental rules, lump-sum payments, and greater national flexibility. Member states emphasized the importance of a strong common policy for fair competition and flexibility in implementing green transition tools.
More information here.