News




United States Imposes 20% Tariff on All EU Imports; Ukraine Targeted, Russia Exempt

On 2 April 2025, US President Donald Trump announced a new set of tariffs, including a 20% duty on all imports from the EU effective 9 April 2025. This measure is part of a broader crackdown already including a 25% tariff on EU steel and aluminium from 12 March 2025, impacting 100 countries with rates between 10% and 50%. Ukraine will face an extra 10% tariff, while imports from Russia remain duty-free. Trump justified the tariffs by citing a claimed 39% EU tariff burden on US goods, a figure disputed by many. The European Commission condemned the move and is considering its own retaliatory measures.
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Romania Renews Call to Make Breeding Animal Investments Eligible Under CAP

At the Agriculture Council meeting on 24 March 2025, Romania reiterated its call to make investments in breeding animals eligible for funding under the CAP’s strategic plans, particularly via EAFRD support. According to Romania, such investments would enha nce productivity and competitiveness, and deliver environmental and economic benefits. Background documents submitted by Romania proposed amending Article 73(3)(d) to include breeding animals as an eligible investment category. Although eight Member States expressed support, Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen declined the proposal, noting that existing mechanisms such as coupled support and sectoral interventions already offer Member States the flexibility to assist the livestock sector.

ANSES Calls for Soy-Based Product Ban in Public Catering

The French food safety authority ANSES has issued a recommendation to ban soy-based foods in mass catering settings due to concerns over excessive exposure to isoflavones, which are known endocrine disruptors. ANSES highlighted that a significant portion of the French population—particularly vulnerable groups such as children and older women—may be at risk of exceeding toxicological safety thresholds. According to the agency, soy-based products can pose critical health risks, with estimated excess intake affecting 76% of children aged 3–5, 53% of girls aged 11–17, 47% of adult men, and 75% of women over 51. In light of France’s legal obligation to offer vegetarian meals in public catering, ANSES recommended that these meals be redesigned to exclude soy as the primary protein source. The agency also urged food manufacturers to reduce soy content in their products more broadly.
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EU Member States Adopt Position on Tariffs for Fertilisers from Russia and Belarus

During a COMAGRI meeting on 19 March 2025, DG AGRI’s Pierre Bascou explained that the Commission’s proposal to impose tariffs on fertiliser imports from Russia and Belarus aims to reduce EU dependency on these imports, support the domestic fertiliser industry amid the energy crisis, and cut Russian export revenues to limit its ability to finance aggression against Ukraine. While MEPs largely agreed on the need to protect the agricultural sector from rising costs, opinions on the measures varied. Additionally, the Committee on International Trade (COMINTA) published a draft report on 12 March 2024 recommending the proposal be adopted without amendments, with the Parliament expected to adopt its position in May 2025.
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EU Leaders Confirm Support for Ukraine and Discuss Strategic Priorities, with Limited Focus on the Budget

During the European Council meeting on 20–21 March 2025, EU leaders reaffirmed their full support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and self-defense, committing to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities through expedited military and financial aid via the Ukraine Facility, and supporting its eventual EU accession. Frozen Russian assets will remain blocked until Russia ends its war and pays reparations. The Council also endorsed the creation of a tribunal for prosecuting Russian war crimes and expressed concern over renewed violence in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. Additionally, EU leaders approved the Budapest Declaration and initiatives to boost competitiveness, ease regulatory burdens on SMEs, promote private investment, and ensure energy and ocean security.
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