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Welcome to our monthly insights into all EU agri-food policy news – from legislations and debates to political deals and manoeuvring – directly from Brussels and with a focus on sustainability.
The European Commission Proposes Postponing Deforestation Rules By One More Year
What?
On 23 September, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall announced that the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will be postponed by 12 months, pushing its entry into application from December 2025 to 2026. The regulation was originally scheduled to apply from 30 December 2024, before the Commission proposed delaying it to the end of this year, giving companies and trading partners an extra 12 months to get ready to comply.
The delay stems from concerns that the EU’s IT system, central to managing due diligence statements and customs checks, may not cope with the volume and complexity of transactions, risking major trade disruptions. The co-legislators will have to validate the EUDR’s delay through the ordinary legislative procedure, unless the urgent procedure is chosen instead.
Why is it important? he delay, though unsurprising, comes amid pressure from Member States seeking simplification, the European Parliament rejecting the Commission’s risk list, and trade partners like the US, Brazil, and Indonesia requesting more time. For companies, the impact is mixed: those already prepared may feel penalised, while others gain breathing space to collect geolocation data, strengthen risk assessments, and work with suppliers. However, the continual delays may compromise the EU’s sustainability ambition and undermine the credibility of the process for those complying diligently.
Parliament Adopts First-Ever Binding EU Food Waste Targets
What?
The European Parliament has adopted the revised Waste Framework Directive, introducing the EU’s first binding food waste reduction targets, to be achieved by the end of 2030. Each year, the EU generates nearly 60 million tonnes of food waste, i.e., around 132 kg per person, leading to financial losses exceeding €130 billion. The new law sets reduction goals of 10% in food processing and manufacturing, and 30% per capita in retail, restaurants, food services, and households, compared with the 2021–2023 baseline.
The legislation also strengthens obligations for food donation and places responsibility on textile producers, including e-commerce sellers, to cover collection and recycling costs.
For a deeper dive into the impact of the revised Waste Framework Directive on textiles, read our blog article: Waste Framework Directive Revision: the Impacts on Textiles & the Questions Left Unanswered
Why is it important?
Following signature and publication in the Official Journal, EU Member States will have 20 months to transpose the law into national legislation, making the EU the first region worldwide to enshrine binding food waste targets. The EU estimates that food waste is responsible for 16% of the bloc’s food system emissions, making these binding targets an important step in delivering on Europe’s climate and sustainability goals.
The EU Postpones Its Decision On The 2040 Emission Reduction Targets
What? In July, the European Commission proposed a 90% emission reduction target for 2040, allowing up to 3% of international carbon offsets, to be approved by the European Parliament and Member States. This was already set to be a difficult agreement, requiring a two-thirds majority in the Council. Now, some national leaders, including France’s Emmanuel Macron, want the targets to be adopted in the European Council (where government and state leaders meet, unlike the Council of the EU which is for ambassadors) where unanimity is needed, effectively granting anti-climate countries a veto. In the meantime, the European Parliament also postponed its agreement, after the ministerial vote was canceled.
Why is it important?
Food systems play a significant role in the EU’s carbon footprint. In 2020, agriculture alone was responsible for around 11% of the EU’s total domestic greenhouse gas emissions. While the sector could be expected to contribute further to emission reductions, key policymakers, including Members of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee, oppose sector-specific targets for farming and instead call for stronger financial support. Given the current political context, it appears unlikely that new climate targets will be imposed on agriculture.
Further Simplification Expected For The Agri-Food Sector
What?
The European Commission is advancing its simplification agenda, with new initiatives expected for the agri-food sector.
Why is it important?
These initiatives will shape the future regulatory landscape for agri-food in the EU. The simplification of food and feed safety rules could ease market access for innovative and sustainable pest-control solutions. The reopening of the EU Organic Regulation marks a rare opportunity to influence the framework governing production, certification, and labelling in a growing sector. The Omnibus I package will directly affect sustainability reporting compliance for companies.
Unfair Trading Practices Directive Negotiations Going Ahead
What?
The European Parliament has voted to start interinstitutional negotiations on a new regulation aimed at strengthening the enforcement of the Unfair Trading Practices (UTP) Directive across borders, despite a last minute opposition from the European People’s Party (centre-right).
The proposed regulation would allow enforcement authorities in different Member States to cooperate more effectively when investigating unfair trading practices, such as last-minute cancellations of perishable goods orders, especially when buyers and suppliers are located in different countries. Crucially, the AGRI Committee’s report included a controversial amendment: if both parties agree, stricter national rules from one country could be applied across borders.
Why is it important?
For farmers and producers, this is a long-awaited step toward rebalancing power in the supply chain. The 2019 UTP Directive was a milestone, but its enforcement has proven patchy, especially in cross-border cases. The new regulation aims to close those gaps, giving national authorities tools to investigate and penalise abusive practices even when they occur across EU borders. For retailers, however, the proposal is seen as a threat. They warn that applying non-harmonised national rules across borders could undermine legal certainty and the integrity of the Single Market. They fear it will restrict market access, raise consumer prices, and discourage cross-border sourcing.
Politically, the vote reflects the EU’s response to farmer protests and growing calls for fairer treatment in the supply chain. It also signals a shift toward prioritising producer rights over retailer convenience, especially in light of increasing consolidation among retail alliances.
President Von der Leyen Speaks To Farmers, Without Convincing Them
What?
On 10 September 2025, the President of the European Commission delivered her annual State of the Union Speech, where she reflected on the past year and set her priority for the upcoming one. Her speech covered a broad range of the Commission’s action and dedicated several minutes to farmers. She generously recognised the importance of their work and their contribution to providing Europeans with “the best food in the world”. She then listed some of the Commission’s actions aiming to support farmers, from simplification to ring-fenced support in the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). She announced a new “Buy European Food” campaign to support local products.
Why is it important?
While the speech did not highlight any new major initiative for agriculture and barely mentioned the rest of the food system, it shows the political importance given to farmers and their demands. Nevertheless, farmer lobby Copa-Cogeca and other stakeholders criticised the Commission, notably because of its proposal to decrease CAP funding or enter into free trade agreements with competitors.
The European Commission Submits Mercosur Deal to Member States
What?
After decades of negotiation, the European Commission has formally submitted the EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement (EMPA) to the Council for ratification. The agreement promises to slash tariffs on industrial and agri-food products, open new markets for EU exporters, and strengthen supply chains for critical raw materials.
However, the deal has sparked fierce opposition from farming unions like Copa-Cogeca, who warn it will expose EU agriculture to unfair competition and undermine food safety and environmental standards. They believe that the safeguard measures will not compensate for the increased competition from South American giant agri-food firms.
Why is it important?
The EU-Mercosur deal is a test for the EU’s ability to balance trade liberalisation with sustainability and agricultural resilience. It brings considerable benefits to some sectors, like dairy. With U.S. tariffs on EU rising and trade tensions mounting, Mercosur offers a fresh outlet for European producers. Other sectors, like beef and poultry, feel threatened.
On the environmental front, the rebalancing clause could undermine the EU’s flagship deforestation law before it even takes effect. Legal experts warn that the mechanism may allow Mercosur countries to exert political pressure on EU Member States, potentially compromising enforcement of the EUDR and setting a dangerous precedent for future trade deals.
France and Poland may oppose the deal, but they are unlikely to be able to block it entirely. How much of the final deal will actually be implemented remains to be seen.
9 October – Online
Organised by environmental NGO Transport and Environment (T&E), this webinar will outline the findings of a new research that looks at the consequences of the global biofuels expansion. The event will look into the impact of biofuels on land and food supplies.
Closes on 14 October
The European Commission has launched the call for evidence ahead of a new simplification initiative aimed at food and feed safety. The new Omnibus has the objective of accelerating access to the EU market for biocontrol substances and products, as well as simplifying regulatory requirements on plant protection products, biocidal products, feed additives, food hygiene and official controls.
15 October – Brussels and online
The Methane Matters Coalition’s second annual conference will examine the latest developments in methane reduction across the EU, covering key international agreements, EU legislation, industry and community priorities, as well as the most effective policies and practices for cutting emissions.
16 October
The European Commission is expected to present its updated Nationally Determined Contributions ahead of COP30 with an indicative 2035 target in a range between 66.25% and 72.5% greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction.
16 October – Brussels
Organised by Fertilizers Europe, this conference will discuss with high-level representatives from EU institutions, industry, academia and other stakeholders on how to align Europe’s fertiliser sector with industrial policy and the transition to low-carbon economy.
21 October
The European Commission’s forthcoming EU Strategy for Generational Renewal aims to coordinate policies and practical measures across all levels of society to support young farmers and ensure food security.
Closes on 28 October
ECHA has launched a Call for Evidence to support the preparation of a study report under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation. Information is sought on packaging, substances used in packaging and packaging waste, waste management and recycling technologies related to packaging.
Closes on 12 December
The European Commission opened a public consultation ahead of the revision of the EU animal welfare legislation, including a follow-up on the commitment to phase-out the use of cages for certain animals.
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