European Union agriculture ministers approve aid and stage new doorstep demonstration

European Union (EU) agriculture ministers meet in Brussels on Tuesday, with the agenda marked by approval of aid for protesting farmers, with another demonstration by representatives of the sector planned outside the building.

At the meeting, decision-makers endorse measures proposed by the European Commission to reduce bureaucracy in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), as well as other measures already proposed to improve farmers’ incomes and protect the sector in the crisis situation they face.

The ministers, including Maria do Seu Antunes, who represents Portugal at the meeting, may make some technical corrections but the substance of the proposals will remain as presented by the community leader, a diplomatic source said.

The next step, according to the same source, will be the official procedure with members of the European Parliament, which the European Parliament should complete in the week of April 22 (when the last plenary meeting of the current legislative assembly will take place).

The council will give final approval shortly after the half-cycle is green-lighted.

Minister of Agriculture of Ukraine Nikolai Solsky will take part in the beginning of the meeting as a guest.

Along with measures aimed at helping farmers, the sector continues to protest, also planning a demonstration this Tuesday at the headquarters of the Council and Commission, where around 300 tractors are expected to be present.

Brussels is taking measures to help farmers, such as reducing bureaucratic burdens, simplifying controls, creating environmental exemptions and combating unfair competition, among others.

There are protests across the EU, including in Portugal, by farmers demanding better conditions for the industry and criticizing strict environmental targets that continue to focus on improving sustainability.