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 Commission’s Proposal to Radically Overhaul the Budget Threatens the CAP
What? The European Commission unveiled its budget plan for the next seven-year period (2028-2034). Despite strong pushback from almost every EU Agriculture Minister, the new proposal plans to merge the CAP and Cohesion Funds – the EU’s two largest spending areas – into one big pot. Only €300 billion would be set aside specifically for agriculture, a significant drop from the current budget’s €386 billion. While Member States could contribute more, they might choose to funnel that extra cash into other key sectors instead.
Why is it important? Farmers and many critics aren’t happy about agriculture receiving a smaller slice of the future EU budget. This plan also appears to give Member States more freedom, which could lead to greater fragmentation across the Union. Member States will spend the next two years negotiating this proposal, needing a unanimous agreement that the European Parliament must then approve
The European Parliament Formalised its Opposition on the EUDR Country Benchmarking List
What? Following the European Commission’s publication of its EUDR country benchmarking list, which ranks countries by their risk of producing deforestation-linked commodities, both the European Parliament and several Member States have voiced strong concerns. Some MEPs and national governments have called for the introduction of a new “no-risk” category (for countries with strong enforcement of forest laws, mostly interested to relieve the operators from the EU Member States) that would fully exempt importers from due diligence requirements.
On 9 July 2024, the European Parliament formalised its opposition by adopting a plenary objection to the benchmarking list. While this objection is not legally binding, it sends a strong political signal. The Commission is obliged to consider the objection but is not required to revise its approach.
Separately, 18 Member States — led by Austria and Luxembourg — sent a joint letter to the Commission calling for a postponement of the EUDR’s application date. They argue that full traceability for all commodities across the EU market is extremely difficult, if not unfeasible, in certain sectors. The group also advocates reducing due diligence obligations for countries with negligible deforestation risk and recognising national systems as sufficient for compliance in those cases.
Why is it important? Influential countries like Poland, Ireland, or Italy have signed the joint letter. They also call for a delay in the implementation of EUDR to allow stakeholders to implement the simplification measures. These calls from Member States also echo some industry demands, pushing for a re-opening, and hence a postponement of the EUDR, before its application date on 30 December.
It is also important to note that EUDR might be included into the Environmental Omnibus, the consultation for which is running until 10 September 2026
The European Parliament’s Political Groups Table 800+ Amendments
What? Political groups have tabled more than 800 amendments to the European Parliament’s draft report on the Omnibus I Simplification Package; they will negotiate to push their key amendments across for the vote at Committee level in mid-October, while the EPP (center-right) will defend the text put forward by its own rapporteur Jorgen Warborn.
Unsurprisingly, the center-left S&D and the liberals Renew seek to maintain a high number of companies in scope but to reduce the administrative burden by emphasising the proportionality of disclosure and due diligence requirements. On the contrary, the conservative ECR and all right wing groups are pushing to increase the application thresholds and lower requirements for companies. The far-left Left and the Greens flatly reject the entire EU simplification efforts altogether.
The JURI committee is expected to adopt its position on 13 October 2025, closely followed by a vote in plenary to get the full Parliament’s approval.
Why is it important? Large companies in scope of CSDDD and CSRD will need to collect data from their suppliers, creating a ripple effect in terms of compliance. Amending them through the Omnibus will have major consequences for companies all over the world whose end-products are sold in Europe.
Dive into our article for a closer look at the Omnibus Simplification Package
The Commission Publishes Roadmap for Nature Credits for 2027
What? The European Commission adopted its final Communication on Nature Credits on 7 July 2025. The Strategy sets out that a nature credit system would support nature restoration by rewarding certified best practices and environmental services. Credits would be issued for measurable, positive biodiversity outcomes and could be sold to companies seeking to offset their negative environmental impact. The Commission emphasises that the system would serve as an incentive rather than impose additional costs on farmers or businesses.
Why is it important? Nature credits hold significant potential to mobilise private finance for biodiversity, helping the EU achieve its climate and restoration goals while supporting sustainable livelihoods. By establishing a trusted, transparent market, the Commission aims to create incentives for proactive ecosystem stewardship. With thoughtful implementation and stakeholder collaboration, nature credits could become a cornerstone of a nature-positive, resilient European economy.
Read our in-depth blog article to find out more about the EU Nature Credits Strategy
Member States Push for a Protein Strategy, Denmark Highlights the Potential of Plant-Based Foods
What? Agriculture ministers across the EU are getting serious about proteins. In their last Council meeting, they pressed the European Commission to swiftly release its Protein Strategy to reduce the EU’s reliance on international imports. Denmark, known for its ambitious national plant-based strategy and currently holding the Council Presidency, reminded everyone that last year’s strategic dialogue called for a Plant-Based Foods Action Plan, which could also cut imports of soy and oilseed for animal feed. Yet, promoting plant-based meat alternatives has lukewarm support, with countries like France and Italy raising concerns about the rise of “artificial” meat.
Why is it important? Most countries agree on the need to boost domestic protein production, primarily to shield the livestock sector from external shocks. While Christophe Hansen indicated an EU Protein Strategy was slated for 2026 or 2027, growing political pressure might speed things up. However, the Commission’s proposal for the next EU budget doesn’t show an intent to increase agricultural funding, suggesting that the strategy will have to rely on other tools.
The Commission Proposes Revision of the Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation
What? The European Commission has put forward a revised Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation. This update aims to encourage Member States to use “made in Europe” milk, fruits, and vegetables in all schools, boosting local sourcing. The CMO revision also seeks to ban many meat-related terms – like “ribs,” “sirloin,” or “drumstick” – from being used on plant-based products.
Why is it important? Promoting local sourcing is designed to help European farmers compete on the global stage. However, groups supporting plant-based proteins are questioning the value of banning certain terms, arguing there’s no proof that consumers are actually confused. This proposal is still in its early stages; both the Parliament and the Council need to nail down their negotiating positions before they can agree on a final, identical version.
Food Systems and Microbiomes Garner Attention Under EU Life Science Strategy
What? The European Commission has launched its ambitious strategy to make the EU the world’s top destination for life sciences by 2030. This initiative aims to supercharge innovation and its adoption across the life sciences, covering everything from pharmaceuticals and biotechnologies to food systems. However, the speedier approval of novel food was dropped from the final text.
Why is it important? The Strategy acknowledges that food systems are crucial for tackling big systemic challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and diet-related illnesses. Research into microbiomes is a core focus, given their vast potential benefits, from natural pest control to new medicines. Ultimately, this Life Science Strategy acts as a foundational framework, guiding other important legislation like the Biotech Act and the EU Investment Strategy.
EU and U.S. Reach a Trade Agreement
What? From 7 August 2025, all goods coming from the EU entering the United States will be subjected to a baseline tariff of 15%. However, agrifood exchanges will be set at different rates. Some products, yet to be defined, will not be facing any tariffs while “sensitive” products will face tariffs both ways.
Rumours are that U.S. nuts, pet food and bison could face easier entry into EU markets as “non-sensitive” agricultural goods, while U.S. beef – considered “sensitive” – will continue to face tariffs. The deal also doesn’t cover alcoholic drinks, which may face a different tariff in the future.
Why is it important? For the agri-food industry, the deal brings certainty at last. However, it is feared that European agri-food products in the USA will be less competitive, hindering potential growth opportunities. It is also unclear how EU exporters will deal with the extra costs and where the predicted supply chains will occur.
17-18 August 2025
The Danish Presidency of the Council is organising an event on organic agriculture in Copenhagen. It will focus on how to promote organic practices in agriculture and consumption of organic products among customers.
9 September 2025
The European Biogas Association is organising an online workshop on bio-based fertilisers. Visit the European Biogas Association website for more info and registration.
Closes on 10 September 2025
The European Commission has opened the online consultation on the upcoming Environmental Omnibus, until 10 September 2025. The Commission’s publication is expected in the last quarter of 2025.
Closes on 10 September 2025
The European Commission is setting up a consultative expert group on nature credits to share knowledge on certification, monitoring, and governance. Interested parties can apply to join the expert group by 10 September.
Closes on 14 September 2025
The European Commission is setting up a consultative expert group to assist the Commission in evaluating technical matters of organic production, including products, substances, methods and techniques that may be used in organic production.
Interested parties can apply to join the expert group by 14 September.
Closes on 15 September 2025
The European Commission is setting up a consultative expert group to assist in implementing the regulation and setting up the relevant guidelines. Interested parties can apply to join the expert group by 15 September.
Closes on 22 September 2025
The Commission is open to public feedback on the methodologies to certify permanent carbon removal techniques. The call for evidence closes on 22 September 2025.
Closes on 30 September 2025
The Commission has opened a 12-week feedback period for its roadmap on nature credits. The public consultation closes on 30 September 2025.
Closes on 8 January 2026
The European Commission has registered an initiative called Right to Food. The initiative has six months to gather a million signatures in at least seven Member States for it to be considered by the European Commission.
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