Agriculture and Fisheries European Council meeting,
Brussels. May 17, 2010
Main results of the Council
Ministers held an exchange of views on international
competitiveness of the European agri-food model and on gender
equality in rural areas.
GENDER EQUALITY IN RURAL AREAS
Ministers held an exchange of views on gender equality in rural
areas. This discussion was structured by a presidency paper and
questionnaire (9184/10)
The ministers shared the presidency's views that gender equality
was one of the fundamental principles of the EU law and one of
the Union's objectives to be followed in all policies. They
highlighted the role women play in rural areas as backbones of
the social fabric, diversifying rural economy and preserving the
environment, while recognising that women's current situation is
sometimes particularly precarious.
Ministers in general stressed the importance of taking equality
into account in all EU policies, including in the Common
Agricultural Policy (CAP). Several delegations outlined their
efforts in favour of gender equality at national level, made
mainly in the framework of their rural development
programmes.
Many ministers considered that in the first pillar of the CAP
gender equality has already been achieved since all farmers have
equal access to direct payments, irrespective of their gender.
They therefore questioned if the first pillar was the most
appropriate instrument for improving gender equality in rural
areas.
Ministers referred to the existing instruments promoting gender
equality within the second pillar and gave some examples of
measures taken in this field at national level (e.g. within the
Leader programme). Several delegations pointed out that if new
measures for gender equality were to be elaborated, this would
best be done in the second pillar, which allows for better
targeting and greater flexibility. Some ministers stressed also
the need for more statistical data on this issue and an overview
of existing national measures.
As regards the next reform of the CAP most ministers expressed
the view that the Common Agricultural Policy should continue to
promote equal working conditions for men and women in rural
areas.
The presidency paper which formed the basis for the discussion
reflects the conclusions reached at a seminar on "Women in the
Sustainable Development of the Rural World" held by the Spanish
Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs in
Cáceres (Spain) on 27-29 April 2010.
One of the most important outcomes of this seminar was the
recognition that gender equality is essential to keeping the
rural environment alive.
INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF THE EUROPEAN AGRI-FOOD MODEL
The Council held an exchange of views on the competitiveness of
the European agri-food model. Ministers in general considered
that the European agri-food model meets the requirements and
expectations of European citizens. They also recognized the
sustainability of the European agri-food model, but pointed out
the cost impact of the high level of EU standards on the European
producers.
Most of the delegations acknowledged that the European agri-food
model was not sufficiently recognised at international level.
Several options were discussed for taking advantage of the
model's specificities: the application of all EU standards to
imports (i.e. reciprocity), the exportation of the EU model to
third countries (e.g. through international organisations or
bilaterally) and explaining the added value of the European
standards (by promotion campaigns or labelling).
Most delegations shared the view that the current instruments for
agri-food promotion are useful. Several ministers outlined,
however, possible improvements, such as strengthening efficiency,
reducing administrative burden and increasing flexibility.
The debate took place on the basis of a presidency paper
(9263/10), containing in its annexe a set of recommendations
elaborated at a seminar on the "External competitiveness of the
European agri-food model" which was organised by the Spanish
Federation of Food and Drink Industries in Seville on 15 and 16
April 2010.
The Commission is expected to publish by the end of 2010, on the
request of the Council from December 2008, a detailed situation
report on the economic impact of risks and opportunities here EU
and international standards differs.
OTHER BUSINESS
Preparing forests for climate change
The presidency informed the Council on the follow-up to the
conference which took place on 6-7 April 2010 in Valsaín (Spain)
and on draft Council conclusions (9305/10).
On the basis of a declaration, the delegations from Austria,
Germany, Latvia and Sweden referred to the fact that forest
protection is an integral part of sustainable forest management
and lies and must stay in the competence of the member states
(9785/10). Several other ministers took the floor and supported
this declaration. Others, however, asked for the extension of
existing EU measures.
Presidency conclusions on "Preparing forests for climate change:
Forest protection and information in the EU" will also be
presented for approval to the Environment Council taking place on
11 June 2010.
Paying agencies
The Council was briefed on the general conclusions drawn after
the 27th conference of EU Paying Agencies held in Oviedo on 28-30
April 2010 (9185/10).
Trade negotiations with Mercosur
A certain number of delegations expressed their concerns about
the Commission's decision to resume the trade negotiations with
the Mercosur and possible further concessions in the agricultural
field, on the basis of a note presented by eight member states
(Austria, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg
and Poland).
