Ministers held two orientation debates in the framework of the common agricultural policy (CAP) reform. The discussions focussed on specific issues in:
· the proposal for a regulation on support for rural development (rural development regulation);
· the proposal for a regulation establishing a common organisation of the markets in agricultural products (Single CMO regulation).
As far as the Single CMO is concerned, the debate focused on the following issues:
Exceptional support measures: there was broad support within the Council for the proposed exceptional support measures. Nonetheless, some Member States considered that the proposed approach was not sufficiently ambitious and that more might be done.
Market disturbances (Article 154): some delegations would prefer to have a clear definition of crisis or more reassurance that this measure would only be used in truly exceptional situations. On the other hand, many of the delegations considered that the Commission must be able to react swiftly and flexibly to unpredictable situations and factors. A majority of the Member States supported extending the scope of this provision to all products (i.e. the deletion of Article 154(2)).
Measures concerning animal diseaseand loss of consumer confidence due to public, animal or plant health risks (Article 155): most of the countries were satisfied with the Presidency text and the extension of the scope of measures on loss in consumer confidence to all sectors of the single CMO. Some delegations also asked for an increased EU co-financing rate.
Measures to resolve specific problems: (Article 156): most Member States acknowledged the importance of this provision and were in favour of maintaining a high degree of flexibility for the Commission to act.