France called for a shift in the burden of proof for land-availability checks under the Common Agricultural Policy at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 23 June 2026, arguing that current controls remain complex and problematic for farmers and administrations, particularly in fragmented cadastral zones in breeding areas. France noted it lacks a national database for such checks and proposed that other operators provide proof unless the landowner supplies documentation. The Cypriot Presidency, which chaired the meeting, observed that the issue concerns several member states. The European Commission did not directly endorse France's proposal but linked the debate to broader CAP performance and announced two forthcoming notes: one on practical aspects of controlling land at disposal, another on audit simplification and facilitation. The Presidency welcomed the Commission's texts and closed the item, recording that the Council took note of the information and comments. No other member state intervened substantively. The discussion followed the Presidency's report on the 59th conference of EU paying agency directors held in Nicosia (25-27 May), attended by over 100 participants including all 27 EU agencies, candidate country representatives, and EU bodies. The Presidency framed the conference as a stocktaking on CAP implementation, control mechanisms, and rural development, citing support for vine growers as a direct impact example. Affected stakeholders include EU paying agencies, farmers, and national administrations managing CAP funds. The Commission's forthcoming notes are expected to provide practical guidance on land-control audits and simplification, potentially easing administrative burdens for member states and farmers.
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