Briefing
The Council of the European Union adopted on 26 October 2026 in Luxemburg a partial general approach to the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) from 2028. The mandate sets legal parameters for simpler and more flexible implementation, but leaves open funding-related decisions, which depend on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. The final shape of national and regional support plans therefore remains dependent on the budget settlement.
The decision includes crisis-response measures, the possibility of delegating checks wholly or partly to third parties, and the option of making payments directly to third-party beneficiaries, for example to support insurance. The mandate also provides for instruments to help member states tailor programmes more closely to regional needs. Specific amounts, payment periods and final national rules have not yet been determined; they will be discussed in the forthcoming trilogue negotiations between the Council, European Commission and European Parliament.
At Agrifishmeeting was also attended by the Basque Minister for Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries, Amaia Barredo, for its part. Barredo pointed out that this was the first time a legal framework had been adopted before the financial framework, and stressed that this could make improvements necessary on matters relevant to funding. She emphasised that the reform must help stabilise incomes, promote generational renewal and simplify administrative procedures.
Alongside agricultural policy, ministers adopted measures to manage fish stocks in the Baltic Sea, including rules on herring, cod, plaice, sprat and salmon. Portugal and Spain agreed to increase the reporting frequency for certain landings if thresholds for the unallocated sub-quota were reached. The next step is to negotiate detailed rules and hold the final vote once the budget has been set.
Editor: Phillipe Schmidt-Araguin (Article created with AI assistance).