Brussels, 30 January 2023
Agriculture
Market situation
Ministers took stock of the market situation in member states, particularly in light of Russia’s war against Ukraine. They further received information from the Commission on the latest developments on agricultural markets. While recent months have shown more stability, energy and input prices remain high, weakening profitability and leading to high consumer prices. Ministers exchanged views on the possible actions to help ease the situation in Ukraine in the short and long-term, and renewed their commitment to continue to facilitate and strengthen land connectivity via the EU’s solidarity lanes. Ministers moreover acknowledged the impact of the war on EU markets, and discussed support measures for the most affected sectors, including the possible use of the agricultural reserve.
While markets have stabilised in recent months, the Russian war on Ukraine has kept energy and input prices high, weakening producers’ profitability and leading to high consumer prices. Today’s Council has shown clear support to help Ukraine, including through the solidarity lanes. Ministers acknowledged the pressure on EU producers and discussed potential support measures to help the EU’s agri-food sector and ensure its competitiveness and resilience, including the possible need to activate the agricultural reserve.
Peter Kullgren, Swedish minister for rural affairs
- Market situation in particular following the invasion of Ukraine – Information from the Commission and the Member States – Exchange of views
- How is the EU responding to the war’s market impact? (background information)
- Impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on the markets: EU response (background information)
- Food security and affordability (background information)
Bioeconomy
Ministers discussed the opportunities of the bioeconomy with a view to adopt Council conclusions on the subject. The ministerial discussion focused especially on the benefits of the bioeconomy for rural areas and acknowledged the contribution that the bioeconomy can bring to addressing several of today’s challenges, including climate change, jobs, competitiveness, energy, and resilience. Actions are already ongoing within the EU and the member states. Ministers agreed that more could be done to unlock the potential, such as mobilising financial resources for innovation and ensuring that EU policy is supporting the development of a sustainable bioeconomy.
Other business
Ministers were informed about the revision of the animal transport legislation and the need for higher animal welfare transport in the single market and for exports to third countries. In the context of the war in Ukraine, ministers moreover were informed about income support measures for 2023, the impact of agricultural imports from Ukraine on EU markets, and the need for a long-term strategic approach for the agri-food sector to ensure the EU’s resilience and global competitiveness. Ministers further were informed about the agricultural aspects of the revision of the industrial emission directive, the Council directive on honey, and the conference of Agriculture ministers, which took place in the context of the 2023 global forum for food and agriculture.
“A” items
Adequate minimum income
This Council recommendation aims to combat poverty and social exclusion, and to pursue high levels of employment by promoting adequate income support by means of minimum income, effective access to enabling and essential services for persons lacking sufficient resources and by fostering labour market integration of those who can work.
The Council also adopted without discussion the items on the lists of legislative and non-legislative “A” items.
Source – EU Council