Agreement on the future CAP

Negotiations on a draft regulation laying down rules for EU agricultural support in 2028–2034 were a key item on the agenda.

At the meeting, agriculture ministers from EU Member States adopted a partial general approach on the draft regulation laying down rules for implementing the common agricultural policy in 2028–2034. The agreement is an important step in shaping the future CAP and paves the way for further negotiations with the European Parliament.

‘We have just concluded an exceptionally long AGRIFISH Council meeting. We are pleased with the agreements reached. First, we reached a compromise on a partial general approach that will allow us to draw up and implement the rules for the common agricultural policy after 2027. Second, on fisheries, we reached compromises that increased Poland’s fishing quotas by 49% for central Baltic herring and 44% for sprat. This is welcome, because increasing these quotas has been our goal from the outset and has been a major challenge for us,’ Minister Stefan Krajewski said shortly after the AGRIFISH Council meeting ended.

‘We would like to thank all the staff of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Permanent Representation who support us in the negotiations. These achievements and the steps we are taking reflect the combined efforts of the Ministry’s leadership and officials,’ added Undersecretary of State Adam Nowak.

Through determined efforts, the Polish delegation, led by Minister Stefan Krajewski, secured an extension of the arrangements allowing transitional national aid to be granted. If this option is retained following negotiations with the European Parliament, we will be able to continue payments for tobacco.

Poland’s contribution to the discussion: greater flexibility and fewer restrictions

Poland called for Member States to have greater freedom in designing agri-environmental and climate actions, particularly so-called transition actions.

‘Farmers should be able to propose their own solutions tailored to their farms’ specific characteristics. In our view, Member States should set the overall objectives and framework for support without prescribing specific production systems. The changes needed may vary depending on local conditions, environmental and climate challenges, and farmers’ capacity to make those changes,’ Minister Krajewski noted.

Poland also called for greater income support for farmers who cooperate through producer groups, producer organisations and agricultural cooperatives.

‘This could encourage farmers to work together, strengthen their position in the market and improve their competitiveness. We also support retaining the option to grant transitional national aid, which is particularly important for smaller, specialised and labour-intensive sectors of agricultural production,’ the Minister said.

Poland’s contribution to the discussion: environmental rules that reflect the specific characteristics of agriculture

Minister Krajewski highlighted Poland’s reservations about applying the DNSH (‘do no significant harm’) principle to instruments under the future CAP, particularly those supporting investment.

The head of the Polish delegation pointed out that this approach could limit funding for purchases such as agricultural machinery and equipment powered by fossil fuels.

‘In our view, such restrictions could make it harder to modernise farms, increase production costs and ultimately undermine the competitiveness of Polish and European agriculture. I therefore call for the rules on applying DNSH to take account of the specific characteristics of agricultural production. Agriculture underpins our food security,’ the Minister said.

Agri-food trade – maximising the benefits

At the meeting, ministers also discussed how to make better use of EU trade agreements to expand exports of EU agri-food products. Minister Stefan Krajewski stressed that trade negotiations conducted by the European Commission (EC) should be more transparent and aim to remove non-tariff barriers that hinder European producers’ access to third-country markets.

‘We need a comprehensive analysis of the impact of trade preferences granted to partners outside the EU. From our perspective, the poultrymeat, beef, pigmeat, sugar, honey, egg and tobacco sectors are particularly sensitive,’ the Polish Agriculture Minister said. He added that Poland supports applying the same requirements to EU-produced and imported products, including those concerning pesticide residues, animal welfare and the use of veterinary medicinal products.

The head of the Polish delegation also called for closer monitoring of imports from countries with preferential access to the EU market, including Mercosur countries, and for the use of safeguard mechanisms in the event of disruption to the EU agricultural market.

Fisheries – decisions

During the fisheries session, ministers adopted a regulation setting Baltic Sea fishing quotas for 2027. Undersecretary of State Adam Nowak represented Minister Stefan Krajewski.

‘Protecting Baltic Sea fish stocks is a priority for us. I welcome the fact that, as we requested, next year’s fishing quotas have been maintained or increased rather than reduced.  A balanced decision on this matter will allow fishers to maintain a level of activity that ensures economic stability,’ Deputy Minister Nowak stressed.

Quotas for cod (subdivisions 25–32; 22–24), herring (subdivisions 22–24) and salmon remained unchanged. Quotas for herring (subdivisions 25–32, excluding the Gulf of Riga), sprat and European plaice are higher than in 2026 (the exact figures are provided in the attached table).

Poland also continues to press for simpler EU fisheries rules, particularly those governing the common fisheries policy and multiannual management plans.

‘Fisheries legislation should support the sector, not burden it. That is why we are continuing to work on changes to reduce unnecessary administrative burdens and strengthen the sector’s competitiveness,’ the Undersecretary of State stressed.

Under the adopted regulation, the following Baltic Sea fishing quotas were set for 2027:

Species	EU quota	Polish quota	Change compared with 2026
Cod (subdivisions 22–24)*	266 t	31 t	0%
Cod (subdivisions 25–32)*	430 t	113 t	0%
Herring (subdivisions 22–24)*	788 t	103 t	0%
Herring (subdivisions 25–29, excluding the Gulf of Riga)	165,228 t	41,165 t	+71%
European plaice (subdivisions 22–32)	11,237 t	1,684 t	+3%
Salmon (subdivisions 22–31)*	25,537 specimens	1,605 specimens	0%
Sprat (subdivisions 22–32)	291,590 t	85,610 t	+44%

*quotas for by-catches only