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The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has published the results of two pilot studies to evaluate the cumulative effects of pesticide residues in food. The conclusions of the evaluation indicate that there are risks associated with the cumulative effect of pesticide residues in food, but that the risks are so low that, according to EFSA, they do not require regulatory action. Both the assessment of the effects of residues on the thyroid gland and the assessment of adverse effects on the nervous system are the result of long-term cooperation between EFSA and the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). Evaluations will follow in the coming years on the effects of pesticides on other organs and functions of the human body.
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The European Commission announced on 28/04/2020 that a free trade agreement had been reached with Mexico, which must now be ratified by both parties. The EU & Mexico trade agreement will allow most production to be traded duty-free, including agri-food production. The agreement could bring the greatest benefits to the EU in the export of poultry meat, cheese, chocolate, pork and pasta. The European Union will also be able to export skimmed milk powder to Mexico in the amount of 30,000 tonnes after the entry into force of the agreement, this volume will be able to increase to 50,000 tonnes after five years. Practically all pork products can be exported duty free, the current high tariffs on chocolate, dried, apples, canned peaches, blue cheese and pasta will be eliminated.
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Last week, another round of negotiations on a future EU-U.K. trade deal, again without any major progress. Representatives discussed a level playing field, the overall governance of the future partnership, the criminal and security partnership and fisheries. The European Union and the United Kingdom must decide by 01/06/2020 whether enough progress has been made or whether a transitional period will need to be extended. The current transitional period lasts until the end of this year, if necessary, it can be extended by one year.
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European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans said last week that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is likely to delay the deadline for presenting the Farm to Fork Strategy and the EU Biodiversity Strategy. According to Timmermans, the strategies should be submitted with a delay of several weeks (not months), the new expected date is 20/05/2020 (originally 25/03/2020, then postponed to 29/04/2020). The new date is still not confirmed, more information should be known after the publication of the Commission's updated work plan over the coming week.
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On 23/04/2020, EU leaders discussed the financial possibilities of the rescue fund and the updating of the proposals of the Multiannual Financial Framework for the period 2021-2027. The Council supported a common and coordinated approach against the pandemic, welcomed the Joint European Roadmap towards lifting of COVID-19 containment measures, and committed itself to monitoring developments. The Council also emphasized the need to ensure a fully functioning Single Market and an unprecedented investment effort. According to the President of the European Council, Charles Michel, it is of utmost importance to increase the strategic autonomy of the Union and produce essential goods in Europe. The Council agreed to set up a fund to support economic recovery, which shall be of a sufficient magnitude and targeted towards the sectors and geographical parts of Europe most affected. The European Commission should therefore analyse the current situation and submit a proposal as soon as possible. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said that to finance the recovery, she will propose increasing the ceiling of the EU’s own resources from 1.2% of the EU’s GNI to 2%. The draft of MFF and the Recovery Plan should be submitted on 06/05/2020, and according to Ursula von der Leyen, the Recovery Plan should be included in the draft MFF. The Recovery Fund could reach € 323 billion, for example Horizon 2020 (Horizon Europe) and the capacity to use innovative financial instruments and investment programs should be strengthened. So far, the informal proposals only mention adjustments to the Structural Funds budget, not the Common Agricultural Policy.
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