News

On 23 February 2026, EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers discussed the future governance of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027. The key issue was the European Commission's proposal to introduce non-binding recommendations for Member States in planning future CAP strategies. Ministers welcomed these guidelines but requested early publication and more opportunities for national input to ensure local priorities are reflected. France, Spain, and Portugal advocated incorporating certain national and regional partnership provisions directly into core agricultural law, an idea supported by most Member States. In addition, ministers reviewed the Commission’s report on the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive, focusing on potential amendments such as banning sales below production costs. The Commission aims to advance a revision of the Directive in autumn 2026.
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France, Spain, and Portugal are urging a greater decision-making role for agriculture ministers in preparing the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). Their joint proposal, to be discussed at the upcoming Agriculture Council meeting, responds to the planned new Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) structure, which would integrate agricultural spending into broader national plans with other policy areas. Currently, key budgetary elements are being negotiated by diplomats and general affairs ministers, reducing influence from agriculture ministries. While some CAP measures like environmental schemes and school programs would remain under farm ministers’ control, critical issues—including the definition of 'active farmer', which determines CAP payments—are still unresolved. EU ministers are expected to emphasize these institutional concerns as they seek to shape the rules governing future agricultural support.
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The Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) will meet on 23 February 2026 in Brussels to debate the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027 and assess the effectiveness of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive. Discussions will focus on the European Commission's strategic recommendations to guide the next generation of national and regional CAP plans, touching on farm income, innovation, and environmental goals while preserving national flexibility. The Council will evaluate the Commission’s report on unfair practices in agri-food markets and review the EU's strategic approach for the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for 2026-2027. Ministers will further address national concerns over CAP controls, proposals for EU-level disaster insurance, issues in the pig sector, and the availability of plant protection products.

On 12 February 2026, the European Parliament gave final approval to new legislation designed to better protect farmers and small producers from unfair commercial practices in the food supply chain. Backed by 555 MEPs, the law tightens enforcement of rules across borders and ensures closer coordination between supervisory bodies. A key innovation allows authorities to act on their own initiative, addressing fears of supplier retaliation. The law requires buyers from non-EU countries to appoint an EU contact person and mandates improved data sharing through the Internal Market Information System. The approach is modeled partly on successful geographical indication regimes. The legislation now awaits formal Council approval and will apply 18 months after publication. Meanwhile, a broader revision of the relevant directive is expected later in 2026.
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On 9 February 2026, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) published an opinion on the Commission’s CAP legislative proposals for 2028-2034. The ECA warned that the shift from the historic two-pillar model to a single European Fund, allocated via national and regional partnership plans, could undermine the policy’s common character and even distort the internal market. Funding predictability may be affected, as allocation amounts will only be known once national plans are approved. Auditors stressed the need for clear traceability of funds for thorough auditing, especially under milestone-based schemes. The mandatory degressivity and capping proposals were analyzed with different average payment scenarios, highlighting that thresholds for support reductions would affect larger holdings most strongly. Increasing voluntary coupled aid was flagged as a risk for competition distortion. The Commission defends the flexibility as compatible with a common policy, while Copa-Cogeca sees this as confirming fears about renationalization and complexity.
More information is available here.