News

The European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (COMAGRI) has established a timeline for revising the EU organic regulation. The process began on 5 March 2026 with the Commission's proposal, and COMAGRI Chair Veronika Vrecionová will announce the next steps on 18 March. MEPs have until 25 March to submit amendments, with translations due by 14 April and committee debate slated for 4 May. Key political and technical negotiations are set for various dates in March, April, May, and June. The COMAGRI vote is scheduled for 14 July, with a final plenary vote in September 2026. Interinstitutional talks between Parliament, Council, and Commission will follow soon after to finalise the regulation.

On 15 March 2026, the European Scientific Advisory Council on Climate Change published a report recommending major changes to the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The council urges an end to coupled payments for livestock, which support the meat and dairy sectors with approximately EUR 16 billion in the 2023-2027 period, arguing these conflict with EU climate goals and limit funds for greener measures. While underscoring the role of livestock in preserving biodiversity-rich grasslands, the council warns reforms could impact EU competitiveness and spark political backlash. The report also proposes introducing emission charging systems for agriculture and extending the Border Carbon Offset Mechanism to meat and dairy imports, though this could create trade tensions.
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On 5 March 2026, the Council of the European Union formally adopted an amendment to the European Climate Law, establishing a legally binding target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels by 2040. The legislation maintains the objective of EU climate neutrality by 2050 and introduces limited use of international carbon credits from 2036, capped at 5% of 1990 emission levels. At least 85% of emission cuts must be achieved within the EU. The revised law also enables permanent carbon removals and grants more flexibility across sectors. Additionally, it delays full ETS2 implementation for road transport and buildings to 2028. The Commission will draft follow-up legislation to ensure the 2040 target is met. The amended law enters into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal and will apply across all Member States.
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On 5 March 2026, the European Parliament’s Agriculture (COMAGRI) and Environment (COMENVI) Committees debated key aspects of the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034. MEPs raised concerns about the European Commission’s proposals, particularly the risk of single market fragmentation, unpredictable CAP funding, and increased administrative complexity, which could deter farm investment. Both committees adopted opinions stressing the need for a robust and stable CAP budget and highlighted priorities such as support for generational renewal, environmental goals, lower red tape, and protection of vulnerable rural areas. The Commission defended its single fund model as a way to simplify procedures while maintaining key CAP instruments and a strong budget.
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On 25 February 2026, the European Commission announced the new EastInvest Facility, a financing platform designed to improve credit and investment for EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. This initiative responds to challenges from Russian aggression and forms part of a broader eastern border development strategy. The platform brings together several European financial institutions and national development banks from affected EU Member States, aiming to mobilise at least €28 billion in public and private funding. Investments will focus on economic recovery, infrastructure, security, and trade in regions most impacted by the war. EastInvest is intended to complement existing EU instruments, such as the CAP and Cohesion Policy, in order to bolster economic resilience along the EU’s eastern frontier.
More information here.