France raised a specific concern about land-availability controls under the Common Agricultural Policy at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council on 23 June 2026, arguing that despite eased rules, controls remain complex and problematic for farmers and administrations, especially in fragmented cadastral zones in breeding areas. France noted it lacks a national database for such checks and proposed shifting the burden of proof to other operators unless the owner provides paperwork. The Cypriot Presidency, which reported on the 59th conference of EU paying agency directors held in Nicosia from 25 to 27 May, 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 conference had been framed by the Presidency as a stocktaking on CAP implementation, control mechanisms, and rural development, citing support for vine growers as a direct impact example. France's proposal, if adopted, would reduce administrative burden for national authorities and farmers in fragmented areas, but could increase risks of non-compliance and shift costs to other operators. The Commission's forthcoming notes may provide further guidance, but no immediate legislative change is expected. Affected stakeholders include EU paying agencies, farmers, and national administrations managing CAP funds.
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