News

The European Commission is proposing changes to the rules governing state aid in the agriculture sector, increasing the amount that national authorities can use to support farmers without the need for prior approval. The proposal - to increase the maximum aid amount from €15,000 to €25,000 over three years per farm holding - is a response to calls from EU member states to improve support for farmers at the same time as reducing the administrative burden and without distorting the market. Read more

Most uses of neonicotinoid pesticides represent a risk to wild bees and honeybees, according to assessments published today by EFSA. The Authority has updated its risk assessments of three neonicotinoids – clothianidin, imidacloprid and thiamethoxam – that are currently subject to restrictions in the EU because of the threat they pose to bees. EFSA’s conclusions will be shared with risk managers from the European Commission and Member States, who will consider potential amendments to the current restrictions on the use of these pesticides. Read more

The European Commission has published today the draft Withdrawal Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom. The draft Withdrawal Agreement consists of six parts – including introductory provisions, citizens' rights, other separation issues such as goods placed on the market before the withdrawal date, the financial settlement, transitional arrangements, and institutional provisions – and a protocol on Ireland / Northern Ireland. The draft Withdrawal Agreement will now be sent to the Council (Article 50) and the European Parliament's Brexit Steering Group for discussion, before being transmitted to the United Kingdom for negotiation.

The Council backs a 27% target for 2030, the European Parliament supports 35%. The European Commission proposed 27% but has signaled in recent months that a more ambitious target could be possible.

EU leaders will tomorrow (24 February) discuss for the first time the European Union's long-term budget starting in 2021 after the UK has left the bloc. The UK's departure leaves an approximately €10bn per year gap in the EU budget revenues. Commission's preliminary proposals argued the need for a larger EU budget than current levels, amounting to at least 1.1% of the bloc's gross national income.