Rural proofing

The Council exchanged views on the implementation of the principle of ‘rural proofing’, or ensuring that policies are fit for purpose for people living and working in rural areas. The debate focused on whether and in what way the rural proofing mechanism should be improved, and how to better integrate rural development into EU policies.

– One in four EU citizens live in rural areas; a broader understanding of the needs and challenges faced by rural populations and farmers is needed to ensure a strong and vibrant countryside. We are advocating that funding for many development-oriented tasks should be provided not only by the common agricultural policy, but also by other EU policies. Furthermore, we are working on cross-sectoral solutions to prevent rural depopulation – Czesław Siekierski, Polish Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development.

Ministers stressed the importance of strong rural communities for the prosperity of the EU as a whole, in areas such as food security, environmental protection and economic growth. They called for rural development to remain part of a strong and independent common agricultural policy (CAP) post 2027.

Furthermore, a number of ministers stressed the need to strengthen and mainstream rural proofing mechanisms at all levels without creating additional bureaucracy. Many member states pointed to the importance of recognising the diversity of rural areas across the EU, and shared examples of successful approaches to rural proofing in their countries.

• Implementing the rural proofing principle (presidency note) 
• A long-term vision for the EU's rural areas – towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas by 2040 (Commission communication, 30 June 2021) 
• Council conclusions on a long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas (20 November 2023)
• The long-term vision for the EU’s rural areas: key achievements and ways forward (Commission report, 27 March 2024) 

Market situation

The Council took stock of the EU market situation for agrifood products, in particular following Russia’s war against Ukraine. Ministers noted that while EU agricultural markets are showing positive signs of recovery and increased stability, input prices, especially of energy and fertilisers are still above pre-COVID levels.

The Council noted that agri-food sectors continued to face various challenges, including adverse weather conditions such as droughts, floods and hurricanes, and more frequent outbreaks of animal diseases such as African swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza. Ministers also drew attention to the impact of the geopolitical situation on market stability, including trade with the US and China and the need to assess the impact of the proposal to raise tariffs on fertilisers imported from Russia and Belarus. A number of member states drew particular attention to challenges facing the wine sector and the recommendations of the high-level group on wine.

Ministers expressed their continued solidarity with Ukraine, with some stressing the need to ensure an ongoing, balanced trade relationship to support Ukraine's agrifood market and protect the interests of EU farmers.

Market situation, in particular following the invasion of Ukraine – information from the Commission and the member states 

Vision for agriculture and food

Under ‘other business’, the Commission presented its vision for agriculture and food, which was published on 19 February 2025. The main aim of the vision is to make the EU a place where farming is attractive for future generations and the agri-food sector is competitive, resilient, future-proof and fair.

Member states welcomed the vision, in particular the emphasis on agriculture as a strategic sector and the importance of promoting farming as a career choice for future generations.

Topics raised during the discussion included: the need for the CAP to have an appropriate and separate budget based on two pillars; the importance of continued support for rural areas; stronger alignment of production standards for imported food products; and the need for simplification.

Other business

Under 'other business', the following topics were raised:

• Agriculture Ministers’ Conference 2025 in the context of the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (Berlin, 18 January 2025) – information from Germany
• Proposal for a regulation on the welfare of dogs and cats – the need to address the specific situation of hunting dogs – information from Slovakia

Watch the recording of the public sessions:

• Morning session 
• Afternoon session