Commission lists agroecology, animal welfare as core environmental practices

The European Commission has unveiled the first list of environmentally friendly practices that could receive EU funding in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the EU's farming subsidy programme.

MEP: European food sovereignty is the real issue at stake in CAP talks

Faced with the challenges of climate change and the public health problems posed by the use of pesticides, Europe must now rebuild its food sovereignty, according to socialist lawmaker Eric Andrieu.

Coexistence of different agri models is key for pandemic recovery, says MEP

In light of the difficult political context Europe is facing, with COVID-19, Brexit, US tariffs, and trade tensions, more thought should be put into different models of agriculture to address future challenges, the right-wing MEP Mazaly Aguilar (ECR) told EURACTIV in an interview.

CAP gets too much flak for effects on developing countries, says expert

Critics of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy’s (CAP) for its effect on developing African countries have an exaggerated view of its importance outside Europe, although some specific areas and particular products remain a cause for concern, according to a CAP expert.

EU-Africa partnership needed for transformation of food systems, says experts

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the need for EU-African collaboration is more important than ever in the drive to strengthen and transform food systems, but care must be taken to make it an equitable partnership, experts have stressed.

EU-Africa move in step on Geographical indications revolution

The enormous tradition and diversity in African agricultural products may benefit from the use of the intellectual property tool for food protection that Europeans have been held most dear.

Africa needs a Farm to Fork vision too, IFAD official says

Africa needs a 'Farm to Fork' vision to change its food systems in a more sustainable way and the EU can be at the centre of this transformation, according to a senior official of the UN fund for rural agriculture.

EU and Africa step up co-operation on agri-business amid pandemic

When the European Commission and African Union set up a joint rural Africa taskforce in May 2018, their priorities were to promote African food security, climate change adaption and investment in the continent’s agri-business. Its work towards those aims in African agri-business has been accelerated this year by the COVID-19 pandemic.

EU agrifood relations with Africa: what lies ahead?

The European Union is reshaping its approach to Africa, hoping to promote long-term sustainable food systems and help their people cope with the side-effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Commission and MEPs look for a fresh start after CAP tension

The European Parliament and the Commission are trying to restore mutual trust after the recent quarrels about the reform of the EU's massive farming subsidies programme, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

EU-Mercosur agreement could cause international trade uncertainty

The EU's trend of negotiating preferential or free trade agreements with different regions and countries of the world has experienced successes and failures. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.

EU agriculture and Mercosur: what is the state of play?

Download PDF  

The entry into force of the Mercosur deal – set to forge a trade area between the EU27 and Mercosur countries, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay – remains a controversial topic amongst agrifood stakeholders. The deal was struck in 2019,...

EU-Mercosur, an agreement  with different agricultural standards

The difference in production standards has been one of many causes for disagreement during the negotiations of the EU-Mercosur agreement. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.

Europe ‘cannot afford’ to bow out of Mercosur agreement, says academic

The crisis of multilateralism, driven by the competition between the US and China, and a lukewarm push from the current leaders of the EU and Mercosur, explains why the agreement between these two blocks is such a challenge, analysts say. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.

Mercosur agreement seduces Spain’s industry, disturbs farmers

The principle of the EU-Mercosur deal has raised mixed feelings in Spain. While the food industry highlights the newly available options for the sector, farmers are showing reluctance towards the deal. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro reports.

Time for small amendments to CAP is over, Greta tells the EU

In a virtual meeting with the Commission executive vice president Frans Timmermans, a group of young climate activists headed by Greta Thunberg reiterated their harsh criticism of the proposed reform of the EU's farming subsidies programme, saying there was no more time for "small steps in the right direction".

Member state criticism, COVID crisis delay ratification of EU-Mercosur deal

The challenging procedure of ratifying the EU-Mercosur deal is being held up due to a combination of the COVID-19 health crisis and considerable criticism from member states. EURACTIV's partner Efeagro takes a look at the current state of play.

Innovative agri project aims to create ‘digital tenants’ in Croatia

On the back of an increased interest in reconnecting consumers with local food, Croatian citizens are being offered the chance to be involved in an innovative 'agri-digital' project, known as a "Gruntek". EURACTIV Croatia took a closer look.

Can the EU Commission scrap its CAP plan?

The European Commission's threat to withdraw its legislative proposal for the post-2020 EU’s farming subsidies programme has irritated EU lawmakers. EURACTIV.com asked some legal experts to clear the air about the controversy.

Commission back-pedals on CAP withdrawal after rattling farm ministers

Withdrawing the proposal for a reform of the EU's farming subsidies programme is off the table, the European Commission assured farm ministers after its executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans hinted at this possibility, saying the programme could be better aligned with environmental objectives.

Agrifood Brief: So long and thanks for all the lobster

Welcome to EURACTIV’s AgriFood Brief, your weekly update on all things Agriculture & Food in the EU. You can subscribe here if you haven’t done so yet.   After four years of growing tensions, can food bring the two shores...

Commission does not rule out CAP withdrawal at a later stage

The European Commission has confirmed that a withdrawal of its proposal for the reform of the EU's massive farming subsidies programme is still a possibility, though not at this stage.

EU farming recovery fund to be rolled out from 2021

A provisional agreement has been struck on the rollout of recovery funds in the EU agricultural sector, which will make a total of €10 billion available for farmers from 2021 up until the end of 2022.

What makes good compost? French students on quest to collect scientific data

Four students are offering to study composting from a scientific perspective by launching until 15 November a collaborative study on the speed of decomposition of organic waste. EURACTIV France reports.