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| Agriculture ministers call for clearer principles for agricultural trade |
| Brusel, 24.06.2025 |
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| The EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Agrifish) in Luxembourg on Monday discussed mainly agricultural issues related to trade, calling for clearer principles. Ministers paid particular attention to the negotiations with the US and Ukraine and the finalisation of the agreement with the Mercosur countries, while praising the simplification of rules in the agricultural sector. TASR's rapporteur reports.
Ministers also discussed the need to work on establishing a list of general principles governing the EU's trade relations with third countries in the agricultural sector. They stressed that, on the one hand, it is important to diversify trade relations in order to support new export opportunities and reduce critical dependencies, and, on the other hand, it is necessary to ensure mechanisms to protect sensitive markets and achieve the right balance between "offensive and defensive" interests.
Speaking to the media on behalf of the country holding the EU Council presidency, Polish Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Czeslaw Siekierski said that trade was becoming an increasingly important element affecting farmers and consumers in the EU. He said that trade liberalisation was normal in a globalised world, but trade agreements must not have a negative impact on the competitiveness of EU agricultural producers.
The Council of Ministers noted that the EU's agri-food trade balance remained largely positive in 2024 at €64 billion, with the Union exporting agri-food products to all regions of the world.
Referring to the new US tariff policy, ministers stressed the importance of relations with the US and called for a mutually beneficial agreement that would benefit both sides without compromising food safety standards.
In the debate on imports of agricultural commodities from Ukraine, most ministers spoke in favour of further support for Ukraine and its people. They also stressed the need to find a balanced and mutually beneficial long-term solution that would also protect the interests and competitiveness of European farmers within the framework of the revised Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between the EU and Ukraine. In this context, some ministers said that imports from Russia and Belarus should be further restricted, for example in the case of fishery products.
Ministers also touched on the EU-Mercosur trade agreement, with several stressing the importance of adequate financial compensation for affected farmers who suffer losses due to imports of agricultural commodities from South America.
On domestic issues, ministers addressed the proposal to simplify the rules in the agricultural sector. The Agrifish Council generally welcomes the proposed amendments, as they reflect the concerns of farmers. Ministers particularly appreciated the simplification of environmental requirements and controls and the greater focus on incentives, and welcomed the fact that member states will benefit from greater flexibility in adapting their strategic plans to the common agricultural policy, as well as improved crisis and risk management tools.
Finally, ministers stressed the need for a strong and purposeful budget for the EU's common agricultural policy.
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