EU discusses key agricultural trade issues

The Council reviewed recent developments in agricultural trade, focusing on the challenges and opportunities created by current global uncertainties. Ministers discussed the creation of a €1 billion reserve to cushion potential negative impacts from the Mercosur agreement, with some welcoming the recently concluded EU -Mexico trade deal.

Member States stressed the need for fair competition between EU and non-EU markets and called for further assessment of the cumulative impact of trade agreements on the EU agricultural sector. Many delegations stressed the importance of harmonising production standards and identified sanitary and phytosanitary measures as the main non-tariff barriers.

The European Commission acknowledged the consensus on ensuring fair competition and agreed to further analyse the impact of trade agreements on EU farmers. The importance of creating a stable trading environment was also noted, especially with regard to trade with Ukraine. Luxembourg's proposal on fair international trading practices was also discussed.