European Council meeting results on agriculture: statement by Palazzo Chigi

Thanks to Italy, for the first time in years, agriculture returned as a topic of discussion for the European Council. This was the result of a process that began with Italy presenting a strategic document at the meeting of the EU council of agriculture ministers (AGRIFISH) on 26 February, and then strongly pushing for agriculture to be included on the European Council's agenda.

The conclusions of the European Council meeting of 21 and 22 March underscore Europe's recognition of the strategic role played by agriculture, incorporating the main elements of Italy's document shared with Italian trade organisations.

The Italian Government is therefore satisfied with the results of the European Council's discussions on how to tackle the challenges currently being faced by the agriculture industry and address the concerns raised by European farmers.

In particular, the 27 EU Heads of State and Government have invited the Commission and the Council to move forward swiftly in adopting all possible short- and medium-term measures and innovative solutions, including those to reduce the administrative burden and to achieve simplification for farmers.

It was also agreed to work concretely to strengthen the position of farmers in the food supply chain, in particular to ensure a fair income.

At Italy's specific request, the Conclusions state the need to discuss measures to ease farmers' financial strain by designing means of additional support, such as for example extending the temporary framework on State aid, and to ensure rules-based and fair competition globally and in the internal market.

The Council also undertook to address issues related to EU free trade measures with Ukraine in a fair and balanced way.

Definition and implementation of the measures agreed between the Leaders will be discussed at the next Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 26 March.