From eco-schemes to national strategies: These changes will result from reforms to the EU's Common Agricultural Policy

EU member states have agreed on a “general approach” to reform the EU's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). At the heart of the agreement are binding environmental and climate standards for all member states.

The agreement was preceded by a compromise proposed by Germany’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, represented by Germany's Federal Minister of Food and Agriculture, Julia Klöckner. She spoke of a “milestone” and a “systemic transition”. One of the central goals of Germany’s Presidency has thus been achieved. The agreement was well balanced, taking into account the imperatives of conservation, environmental protection and animal welfare, as well as food security in Europe. In spite of different agricultural structures in member states, it marks an important step forward towards more sustainability, fairness and equity in competition in the EU. The new requirements are also practicable and suitable for implementation. The additional work for farmers will be rewarded.