Luxembourg Outlines CAP Priorities at EU Agriculture Council

On Monday 17 November 2025, Luxembourg’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture, Martine Hansen, took part in the meeting of the European Union’s (EU) Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels, Belgium.

The Council’s main discussion focused on how to target support for farmers and strengthen food security within the broader debate on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the post-2027 period.

Minister Hansen recalled that, in order to strengthen agricultural production and reinforce food sovereignty, the EU needs a strong CAP adapted to the specific characteristics of the Member States, with a secure budget that matches the EU’s ambitions.

The minister proposed reserving income support for active farmers whose earnings come mainly from productive agricultural activity. She also noted that the degressivity system proposed by the European Commission is not suited to Luxembourg’s agricultural sector and could hinder generational renewal, with almost 50% of young farmers potentially affected.

Minister Hansen proposed: maintaining flat-rate support for young farmers; granting Member States more flexibility; ensuring that support systems reflect the economic viability of family-run farms; considering the specific case of farm groups managed by several families; and boosting agricultural production through coupled support.

During discussions on agricultural markets, the minister reiterated Luxembourg’s solidarity with Ukraine. She stressed that trade agreements should include reciprocal provisions on sanitary standards, animal welfare and environmental rules. She said: “We must ensure fair conditions for European producers compared with their competitors in third countries.”

EU ministers also addressed China’s anti-dumping investigations, which are causing pressure on the European pork industry.

The Council exchanged views on plant health with Minister Hansen highlighting the need to support innovation, precision agriculture and a more efficient authorisation system to accelerate market access for biocontrol products and biopesticides.

Luxembourg's Agriculture Minister also welcomed the European Commission’s intention to respond to her request to revise import tolerances for plant protection products not approved within the EU as part of his simplification initiatives. The objective is to protect human health and the environment and ensure fair competition for farmers, noted Luxembourg’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture.

EO