The Council of the European Union is set to adopt a regulation on 13 July 2026 that amends EU farm support rules to provide exceptional temporary aid under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), adapt direct payment allocations for 2027, and allow more flexible advance payments in response to fertiliser price increases caused by the Middle East crisis. The legislative act, once adopted, will be signed and published in the Official Journal.
The Commission submitted the proposal on 12 June 2026, based on Article 43(2) TFEU. The European Parliament adopted its first-reading position on 7 July 2026, reflecting an interinstitutional agreement reached earlier. The Special Committee on Agriculture confirmed the agreement on 6 July 2026. The Council is now asked to approve the European Parliament's position (PE-CONS 43/26) and to derogate from the eight-week period for national Parliaments under Article 4 of Protocol 1.
The regulation targets EU farmers and agricultural producers hit by soaring fertiliser costs, providing temporary liquidity support through rural development funds and more flexible advance payments. National authorities will gain the ability to adjust direct payment allocations for 2027 to better respond to the crisis. The measures are designed as a short-term response, with no permanent changes to the Common Agricultural Policy framework.
The adoption is expected to proceed without debate, as the item is listed as an 'A' point on the Council agenda. Following adoption, the regulation will enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal, ensuring rapid implementation to address the ongoing price pressures.