- “Thank you, Madam Chair. For the opportunity to compliment my colleagues from the environment. I have already set out for the pollinators. Thank you, my colleagues. Thank you very much for the opportunity. And I was going to start by underlining what my colleagues have already said about the importance of pollinators for agricultural production, um, for food security. In other words, main crops globally, uh, rely to a great extent on on pollination. In your introduction, you referred to the contribution of the Common Agricultural Policy to ensuring habitat for pollinators. As you know, under the current Common Agricultural Policy, through the conditions for payments and through the incentives, which make up 32% of the overall budget, already provide an important funding stream for environmental programs in agriculture. But I would like to focus on the proposals for the next Common Agricultural policy, where we will continue to support environmentally sustainable agriculture to the benefit of of of pollinators. And the toolbox for member states to design interventions remains very wide. In fact, we stayed there that preservation of biodiversity, such as conservation of habitats or species, landscape features and reduction of pesticides is singled out as a priority area for support in the proposal. This means member states should continue to offer necessary support in this area.”
Agriculture (green) · EU policy on pesticides
- “I think I have covered most of the questions. There was a question on whether we are not, um, uh, in relation to, to climate change. Fatalistic. I think it's very important to, to, to stress that, yes, indeed. Of course there is. Many of the fires have a human human cause. But climate change aggravates the, the, the effects of the start of a fire. And this is a reality that we now have to face. And that is why this focus on preparedness is so, so important. Um, and with that, I think I have tried to frame a number of the, of the most important questions. But I think given the importance of the topic, uh, we will continue this conversation. I just realized, Madam Chair, if I may, on the forest monitoring law, there was also a question on that. Um, the question was whether we need, uh, forest data, uh, to do good prevention measures. And the answer is yes, obviously. And of course, that is why the commission made this proposal on forest monitoring. Um, of course it's important to know age of forest, types of trees and all these things to be able to make a good assessment of risks. Um, but in terms of the follow up, I think it's now for the plenary to first pronounce itself on the forest monitoring law. And then, of course, the commission will respond. But data on forests help with taking good prevention measures. Thank you.”
EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.) · Management of EU forests
- “We don't have a centralised database where we link the, the, the area to the economic loss, uh, specifically. Um, but we do, of course, enable the financing of restoration measures. Member states can use the Cap for these measures when losses are beyond 30% for agricultural land. There's not such a threshold for forests, and the Cap supports up to 100% of the cost for recovery and restoration through investments in restoring agriculture and forestry potential after natural disasters or climatic events. Um. Also for this restoration measure, rural development programs of the previous period are still used, and for the current Cap again, nine member states use the Cap for restoration of forests. Um, and at least 153 million is specifically dedicated to restoration after forest fires. In addition, five member states use the Cap for the restoration of agricultural potential €154 million. The numbers are on the slide, but I think it's good to underline that there is significant investment. Of course, there's also research support. There's a number of of projects that, uh, we, uh, finance under the horizon program, uh, to deal with improved landscape design. Uh, also to, uh, fight to support the prevention, um, in the future. I think it's it's important to recall, if I have the time to do so that the president underlined in the state of the Union also the need for climate resilience and adaptation and nature based solutions in the, in the in the fight against forest fires.”
Management of EU forests · Agricultural funding · EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
- “Thank you. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for the opportunity to address you on this important topic and also to, uh, thank you to the colleagues for putting up some slides that I would use to illustrate, uh, the situation in terms of forest fires. Um, if we move to the to the first slide, um, this is a map of the season 2025 data from our joint research center that keep excellent and very detailed data on the situation regarding to forest fires to the European Forest Fire Information System, giving timely information also about the location of forest fires and all the points you see on the map represent the fire. And if we zoom in, you see two examples here. You will notice how detailed the information is. Uh, with regard to the precise, uh, outbreaks. Um, if we move to the next slide, you see from this same database, weekly, um, and cumulative, uh, areas on the left hand, the, uh, the weekly data and on the, um, with the peak in the fire at the beginning of August correlated with the heat waves that occurred during that period. And on the right hand side, you see the cumulated area where you see also that the line for 2025, that is the red line is very high compared to the average, uh, the minimum and maximum of the period 26 to 2024, which is the gray shaded area.”
Management of EU forests
- “So in other words, we are talking about a very serious year in terms of forest fire. If we move one more slide, um, here we have, uh, more data on the on this year, uh, the record wildfires across southern Europe since the beginning of the year, more than 2000 fires were detected, which burned more than 1 million hectares, an area larger than Cyprus and three times more than the area burned in 2020 for farmers. And forest holders have been heavily impacted, in particular by many mega fires. The fires affected 225,000 hectares of agricultural land in 2025, most of it during the summer. And if we move one more slide, um, these figures are from the European Environment Agency. Uh, and they give an indication an estimate of the type of land impacted over the course of the 24 years on which this data are based. You can see that it's not only forests, but also very significantly agricultural area, notably, uh, grassland. Um. I leave the slides for a moment. There is one more, but that will come later. I wanted to underline also the action that the Commission took to prepare for this summer by supporting member states to fight the fires not only through the Common Agricultural Policy, prevention measures and so on.”
Management of EU forests
- “Payments This does not apply to the payments for areas with natural constraints and so on and so forth. Really to ensure that payments are targeted and that we use the money as wisely as possible. Um, third point I would like to make is really on the need to work with member states and partners. We had this excellent presentation of Mr. Brady, for example, this morning, demonstrating a scheme that really helps on the ground. And that is what we need to, uh, see also in other member states. And that is also what the what we can add this European dimension, making sure that good examples in one member state can be replicated elsewhere. Another example is the EU Observatory for for the land market, by the way, based on a pilot project from this Parliament, also really important. We have heard about credit where the European Commission works with the European Investment Bank to deliver on the commitments in the in the strategy. Uh, knowledge and skills is another one that I would like to underline. So all these areas, it's really important to work together with member states, regional authorities and specialized institutions to deliver for generational renewal and to deliver for the future of food security and rural areas. Thank you.”
Cohesion and rural funding · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
- “Thank you, Madam Chair. And thanks for the invitation and thanks for organising this this panel debate. Very, very timely and very important. Highly interesting contributions, and we look forward to work with this committee on the topic of generational renewal. And listening to the debate. We will have a lot to to discuss because, uh, there is uh, it's a it's a big topic. Um. The commission is strongly committed to generational renewal, and the strategy that we've put on the table is not only rooted in our vision for agriculture and food, but also linked to the long term vision for rural areas. And I'd like to underline, also, uh, was born in the report of the strategic dialogue with the stakeholders that took place last year. And with this strategy, we really want to put on the table a common European approach to this challenge, uh, and to provide a framework, an integrated approach to address the issue through, of course, the Cap reform proposals, but also through a lot of the other instruments that are addressed in the strategy that are under responsibility of other actors or of Member states. Let me briefly clarify three things in response to the exchange of views that took place this morning. Maybe first on the on the funding. I would like to underline that, as Commissioner Hansen has said, also in this, this House and this committee several times, that the Cap proposal, um, and particularly the agricultural ring fencing is a minimum amount, um, and that the non-allocated part of the fund for each member state provides lots of space for synergies and for additional funding, particularly for agriculture and rural areas.”
Cohesion and rural funding · Agricultural funding · Youth employment & training
- “And I think this is really relevant also for generational renewal, given the references this morning to rural services, to knowledge, to investments going beyond agriculture and the 6% aspirational target that we have proposed and which we will, um, which we will follow up through the Cap recommendations, I think are a key instrument to steer member states to dedicate sufficient funding to generational renewal. Another aspect that I. The second aspect I would like to clarify on is relates to the targeting of payments. I think it's very important to underline that in this cap proposal, we really want to target payments to specific objectives. We also referenced in one of the contributions this morning. In other words, um, environmental payments for the environment. Young farmer payments for um generational renewal and so on. Particularly the digressive area based income support where there is this link to, um, to the pension, uh, to no longer paying that for farmers receiving a pension that is linked to the digressive area based income support. In other words, this pension clause does not apply to the payments not applied to the small farmer.”
Cohesion and rural funding · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
- “Funding. The proposal for the Cap 2028 2034. In article six specifically, we urge member States to support farmers who are most in need, and we specifically have mentioned women in this article, and that also replies to one of the questions to the commission, how do we want to tackle this problem? Well, particularly also through our funding scheme and through the prioritization that Member States need to make when designing their digressive area based income support. The single fund approach will facilitate, in our view, the support for rural women, and it will particularly like to refer to an important example. Social support services are a major enabler of social inclusion for women and as rightly pointed out in the report, the insufficient availability of educational institutions care facilities put a lot of strain on women, as they are very often still primary caregivers, particularly in rural areas. And providing social services is key in facilitating access of women to labour markets and to exploiting their potential for the rural economy. Also, I would like to mention leader. There was a question on leader in the future. Indeed, we want to maintain leader as an obligation for Member States to ensure that the role of women in these bodies can continue. So we intend to strengthen gender budgeting methodology for the future, MFF, and we hope that the new funding proposal will indeed provide answers and support to some of the problems outlined in the report and mentioned in the discussion today. Thank you very much.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Cohesion and rural funding · Agricultural funding
- “Thank you. Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Honourable members, and thank you to the very pertinent testimony of the three women farmers that we heard this morning. Equality between women and men is a fundamental right, a founding value of the European Union. And this year the Commission published a communication, A roadmap for Women's Rights, which guides our policies and funding programmes with a clear gender equality perspective. Women are indispensable to the future of Europe's farms and rural areas, yet the potential remains underutilised. Rural women face lower employment rates, lower income and pensions, higher risk of poverty and social exclusion compared to rural men. Today, only around one third of farms in the EU are managed by women, and of those, only 3% are younger than 40 years old. This figure was already mentioned. Of course, this morning, several times. So these these facts, this evidence calls for action. And let me highlight three aspects in my contribution this morning. First, the Commission's generational renewal strategy. What we do under the current Common Agricultural Policy and the proposals for the cap after 2027. So first on the generational renewal strategy, which the Commission adopted very recently. We illustrate there that it's not just a matter of age or numbers, it's really a gender issue. And, um, the, uh, topic of your, uh, seminar this morning is indeed very well chosen.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Agricultural funding
- “Attracting younger women to farming is a necessity, and therefore the generational renewal strategy embeds a clear gender perspective. Identifying barriers to land finance skills, rural infrastructure that disproportionately affects women, especially young women, and addressing these barriers is essential for true generational renewal. I'd like to underline that this issue of equality for women is not just a human rights issue. It's an economic case. According to our agency, the European Institute for Gender Equality, improving gender equality could increase EU GDP by up to 9.6% in 2050. For farming and rural contexts, this translates into more women farmers, more women decision makers, more women entrepreneurs, more women led innovation, leading to stronger agriculture and rural economies and better livelihoods. And I know that Commissioner Hanson comes to your committee this afternoon to introduce and present this generational renewal strategy, and I'm sure he will make a strong case also, particularly on the gender dimension. Um, secondly, uh, let me go into the Common Agricultural Policy, uh, where we explicitly aim to strengthen the participation of women in farming and rural economy in the legal text. Um, and we already heard, for example, how the rural development support, um, supports generational renewal with a focus on women in Austria. There was a very pertinent example that we heard this morning. Um, I'm sorry.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Cohesion and rural funding · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
- “And I think this example also responds to one of the questions raised by Mrs. Lauretti in her contribution. Um, I think more widely it's important to underline the role of the future Common Agricultural policy. Um, as you know, we have proposed a minimum budget, but a lot of unallocated funds for member states to address challenges, including for agriculture. We believe this is going to be a positive development for agriculture and rural areas, precisely because of the synergies that are possible in the proposal. And I would like to particularly highlight the starter pack for generational renewal, um, which is hugely important in this context. Uh, also, member states can continue projects under rural developments, which I mentioned already today in the future. And as regards direct income support, the proposed cap explicitly requires member states to target support to target support, including at women farmers. That's article six of the income support article. Um, Obviously there is possibilities for investment into social infrastructure in rural areas, including education, childcare and care services. And there I would like to underline the proposal to have relief services for agriculture specific new article in the Common Agricultural Policy that could address issues such as maternity leave. So let me conclude by thanking you for your support to equality for women in farming and rural areas. I very much hope that jointly, we will be able to turn all those words spelled out in the strategy for generational renewal into action for the benefit of our next, hopefully more gender balanced generation of farmers. Thank you.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Cohesion and rural funding · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
- “It's one of the six environmental and climate priority areas in the new proposal. The Commission will also include this topic in the specific Cap recommendations that are foreseen. Recommendations to the Member States for the preparation of their programming for agriculture for the period 2028 2034, and moreover, Member States must provide incentives for agri environment and climate actions um, including for climate, environment, animal health, welfare and sustainable forestry. And these incentives take the form of voluntary management commitments that need to be sufficiently attractive for farmers and other beneficiaries. In other words, a continuation of the strong support provided today. Um, and there's also and I think this is a novelty in the proposal, the possibility to design a voluntary transition payment for resilient production systems based on needs identified in a transition plan. Uh, and then payments can be granted for conversion, for example, to organic farming or to intensification of livestock production. I think it's important to underline all these possibilities and options and the focus on environmental sustainability in the Cap proposal that contribute to a better habitat for pollinators, also in the in the future programming period. Thank you very much.”
Agriculture (green) · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
- “Thank you chair. It's quite a roller coaster this morning. From pollinators to forest fires. And now the important topic of women's entrepreneurship in rural regions. The commission attaches great importance to the equality of women laid down in the EU treaty since 1957. And this year, in March, the commission released a communication A roadmap for Women's Rights, which is guiding our work towards women's rights for all commission policies and funding streams, and I carefully listened to the discussion. I'm pleased to note also that the report of Mr. Stoltenberg, um, is very much in line with the policies the Commission has regarding equality for rural women. As put forward in the report, women led innovation in agriculture and rural areas holds the potential to transform not only agriculture and the food system, but rural communities itself. Despite the great potential of rural women, they are still disadvantaged. Uh, some figures only 31.6% of farm managers are female, but only 2% of farm managers are women younger than 40 years of age. Only 2%, um, the employment rate, income and pensions of rural women are lower than that of rural men, and the risk at risk of poverty and social exclusion rates, on the other hand, are higher for women. Some of you referred to the report by the Court of Auditors. They said the cap is the Common Agricultural Policy is gender blind. Focus on farmers, not on their on their gender. So that is also why we acknowledge the gaps and issues in the current Common Agricultural Policy, where we put more emphasis on women compared to the previous programming period, and we call for enhanced participation of women in farming in the rural economy.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Cohesion and rural funding · Agricultural funding
- “And also, that is where we, in response to one of the questions asked member states to develop a further rural development strategy in anchoring preparedness right into that, um, um, a comment was made about the role of a grassland. Um, I think it's important to underline that we try to maintain grassland. I already mentioned programmes for extensive, uh, A livestock farming. But also, of course, you know, that we, uh, aim to maintain permanent grassland through the conditionality for the payments. So I think we really have an objective to have a grassland, uh, as an important, uh, and part of European agricultural landscapes, of agricultural production. So I, I wouldn't say that, uh, grassland is in decline due to European policies. Uh, of course, grassland is changing. Sometimes agricultural systems are changing due to response of farmers to markets. But I think with policy we try to ensure grassland, uh, stays. Um, in terms of the, um, uh. Let's see, in terms of the, uh, the funding, um, I would like to, uh, I mean, of course, a lot of the questions around the funding relate to the, uh, future. Um, uh, funds and the minimum allocation for agriculture that the Commission has proposed, with opportunity and responsibility for member states to expand. I know that there have been many debates about that. Um, but I do want to underline also that when we talk about funding and that we talk about a serious problem on the ground that is happening now, that we should not only discuss the future funding, but also today's funding.”
Nature protection and restoration in the EU · Cohesion and rural funding · Agricultural funding
- “In other words, forests are a key component of a sustainable circular economy. And to meet all these growing demands and expectations for climate, biodiversity, economy, social prosperity, we need healthier and more resilient multifunctional forests in Europe. And that is why we also need to manage these forests using sustainable forest management. To address all these challenges, the Commission adopts an EU forest strategy for 2030. This framework dates from 2021 and provides concrete actions to unlock the potential of forests, to deliver ecosystem services, as well as contribute to the rural economy. And again, important to recall, this um, builds on the concept of sustainable forest management. So in this forest strategy, we announced a number of policy actions and also the continuation of a number of policy actions. So I would like to list a few of them. But of course I'm ready to exchange on other aspects of forestry as well. Maybe first important to mention the Common Agricultural Policy. After all, the biggest source of financing for the forest sector at the EU level, um, in the forest strategy, the Commission committed to promote forest related interventions in future Cap strategic plans. And indeed this is ongoing. Right now. The Cap supports a wide range of forest related interventions, um, contributing also to climate and biodiversity objectives, as well as to the economic objectives and the employment objectives that I've recalled for the current programming period. We're talking about 4.2 billion, uh, allocated to a forest specific interventions in 23 member states, and this ranges from investments.”
Circular economy · Management of EU forests · Nature protection and restoration in the EU
- “Thank you very much, Madam Chair. Good morning. Um, back now for this debate on on forestry. And indeed, I think it's a very good initiative to have a wider exchange of views on this, this important topic. I will try to first set out a few, uh, general provided more general assessment of, of forest in Europe and then indeed address a few of the ongoing discussions on particular policy files. I think it's important to underline that forest in the EU are expanding thanks to natural processes, processes, afforestation, sustainable management and active restoration. And we currently have forests and wooded land cover 44% of the EU land area. At the same time, European forests are also under increasing strain. That's partly because of natural processes, but also because of increased human activity and pressure, particularly climate change impacts forestry through temperature precipitation patterns, causing causing increased frequency of extreme weather droughts, for example. And this leads to increased vulnerability to pests, diseases, and increased frequency and intensity of forest fires, impacting, of course, forest health. And also important to mention that in particular regions, urbanization and infrastructure development cause land use change and fragmentation of habitats, including for forests. Another important aspect in the context of of of climate change is the carbon sink. Forests are the source of biomass that substitute fossil or carbon intensive materials and contribute to the transition to a circular and climate neutral bio economy. However, this sink, this carbon sink.”
Management of EU forests · Nature protection and restoration in the EU
- “Think about it very seriously, but also we need forest materials, wood, other materials for our bioeconomy, for the major transition of our economy to a net zero economy in 2050. So we have a really enormous challenges ahead of us for the forestry sector. And in this regard, I think also the EU should should play a key role under. The overarching framework. So we are working within the forestry strategy, which had a lot of actions, many of which have been implemented, many of which are ongoing. So that is the framework in which we work. And I think we need to have and those of you involved in forestry will only will only agree a long term perspective in this, in this field, um, in this mandate, I think the accents clearly are on competitiveness and on resilience, on security and on our climate transition. So those concepts, I think, are elements that really we need to keep in mind for, uh, for the development of policies in this regard and as a, as a as the forestry strategy says, we, we will, uh, take stock of where we are on this strategy this year.”
Management of EU forests · EU support for bioeconomic applications
- “Thank you. Thank you very much. Um, I hope I can do justice to all your pertinent questions. Um, maybe I start with the more broader topics. Um. Maybe first the issue of of of competence. I have been talking here about forests and, and some of you have raised the issue about what the role of the EU is in this regard. I think it's very important to underline that indeed, forestry is not a only an EU competence. But there are many, many files that we've been talking about that are an EU competence or shared competence. Let's talk about climate change. Let's talk about nature for example. So I think we clearly are in this game and we need to make sure that that we support as as good as we can, uh, the work uh, in these areas also, uh, to support the forestry sector and to support forests in the EU. So I think we we clearly cannot ignore that the European Union plays plays a role here. Then several of you said maybe my picture was a bit too rosy, if I can summarize it like that. And I have tried to be balanced and to mention different aspects, and I guess when you weigh them differently, you can come to a different conclusion. But I've tried to underline, yes, uh, forest areas are increasing, but also that there are challenges, major challenges, the climate sync major challenge in relation to, uh, to the quality of, of of forests and indeed also the, the challenges for the future where we need, uh, not only to increase this.”
Management of EU forests · Nature protection and restoration in the EU
- “So, um, you can be assured of that. I mean, it's one of the key, key deliverables in that area that we need, after which we can review the instruments. Because there was also a question about what with the different climate instruments, I think it's important to first set the set the target for 2040 and then see how we need to adjust the instruments to reach that target. So so that is the order of of work on climate policy that, that we are, um, that we are working on. Um, there were a number of questions also on forest monitoring. Obviously, you have been exchanging you have been preparing a report. I think it's important to underline that we really want to, on the one hand, ensure we have the data we need and the data we need to address all these all these challenges and to make effective and and, and efficient policies, but not to overburden, um, the administration's and certainly not to overburden the, uh, the foresters and, uh, other actors in the forestry supply chain. We need to make sure we do this, uh, without having a drastic increase of administrative burden. In fact, minimizing administrative burden, ensuring cost efficiency, and building on existing national monitoring systems are really the guiding principles of the proposal we have made. Uh, and for most of the forest data, authorities will be able to continue using their current collection frameworks.”
Management of EU forests
- “Um, and our intention is to do this together with stakeholders, member States, together with you. So to have a wide, uh, a wide assessment of where, uh, where we need to, to move, uh, and where do we need to adjust our, our policies. Um, several questions related to the bioeconomy strategy. And, uh, this is work in progress in the commission, so it's difficult for me to provide, uh, a lot of detail. Obviously, we're making a lot of analysis also in terms of data, What about biomass? How can we combine functions? I think that is absolutely key. We are very much looking at this also in terms of the economic opportunities. You've all been seeing this in the Vision on agriculture and food that was published by the Commission in February. So we really see this economic element as an important part also of the of the bioeconomy. But obviously we need to do this sustainably. So we really need to work, work together. And we are working together very closely with a range of, of commission departments on, on this particular particular topic. Um, on climate policy, the Commission is working hard to come up with a proposal for the 2040 target. Uh, that should be this year. I don't have a specific date, but that is clearly something that will come quite, quite, quite, uh, quite rapidly.”
Circular economy · EU support for bioeconomic applications
- “Revised version of the guidance document a draft delegated acts to amend the annex of the regulation. So we have really been, um, been trying to to progress on the promises to make implementation simpler. Um, and last but not least, the draft benchmarking list is currently under discussion. And, um, we remain on track to publish that by June 2025 as, as planned. And altogether, we consider these measures will reduce administrative costs and burden for companies by approximately 30%. Um, and the package takes into account this package from April takes into account the specific concerns expressed by stakeholders, foresters and farmers. We've really tried to listen to all the engagement we've had with with the sector. Um, so with that, we aim for an order which is simple, fair, cost effective. But obviously we're also trying to achieve the objective which have which is to have deforestation free supply chains. Um. That on on deforestation. Um, there was a question, of course, on whether, uh, what my advice would be as to planting trees on peatland. Uh, so I think the first thing I want to say is that it's not my role here to give advice on that, because that is precisely not the business we're in. And if we talk about shared components, that is certainly something we should leave to those who know in the member state regionally.”
Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights) · Trade impact on forests
- “I will come to that. But the Commission is also present when the disaster strikes. In DG echo, a team of wildfire experts monitors the situation hour by hour in an emergency response coordination centre. And of the heart of this solidarity is the Union Civil Protection Mechanism, um, which um provides 24 over seven emergency response coordination Together. This summer they deployed 58 aircraft, 38 planes, 20 helicopters, more than 740 firefighters and rescuers. And also through Copernicus. We provided rapid mapping services to guide operations in real time. I think it's important to underline, besides the conversation we'll have about agriculture, also this direct support that, um, that the commission coordinates, uh, in time of crisis. Um, if we move one more slide, um, here we have some key figures on EU spending on prevention, preparedness and restoration. Uh, according to the European Court of Auditors, at least 3.5 billion in EU funding has been allocated to tackle forest fires between 2021 and 2027. Um, and I think the message from the maps I've shown and from the data on the, on the, um, on the graphs and I assume also very much the message that you have heard from your constituents, um, that there is a clear message that we must focus more on preventing wildfires before they start, uh, through targeted investments, smarter policies, and by building fire resilient landscapes.”
Management of EU forests · EU Development & Humanitarian Aid · EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
- “Um, the EU supports forest fire prevention measures of the member states through different funds. The Efd the second pillar of the cap, the regional development fund. Uh, the RF, the Recovery and Resilience Facility, as well as the life programme. Um, the Cap plays a key role. While the RF and cohesion funds target more preparedness with large projects, purchase of firefighting vehicles, water tanks and so on. The Cap acts on reduction of inflammable biomass not only in forests but also in agriculture, creating, for example, firebreaks, um, fighting against land abandonment through programmes for support of extensive livestock grazing in areas with natural constraints, agri environment programmes coupled support. Uh, you will know the importance of goats, for example, in this context, but also support of agroforestry systems or vineyards. And all these actions create landscapes that are better able to resist and recover from wildfires. Member states are using um, part of the rural development programmes in the period 2014 2020 to pay for prevention, still a total of 2.25 billion. And under the current Common Agricultural Policy, nine member states use the Cap to support investments for the prevention of forest damage. This is €773 million. I'd like to focus on on restoration. In fact, the the assessment of the economic loss for agriculture related to wildfire is difficult to to do.”
Management of EU forests · EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.) · Agricultural funding
- “Sir. Thank you very much. Um, for all the all the all the questions and for this, uh, for this exchange, um, let me try to organize my, uh, my, my, uh, replies. Um, I think it's important to, uh, maybe I start with the question of, uh, uh, Mr. Katainen, who asked about, uh, preparedness and what actions, uh, work. And I think she mentioned already a number of the key actions. It's keeping rural areas, uh, farmed, occupied. That is is key. And I think our rural development programs aim precisely to contribute to that. Um, it's of course about maintaining livestock farming throughout Europe, particularly more extensive livestock farming also, that is a focus of the Common Agricultural Policy. Many member states provide such support in different forms areas with natural constraints, coupled support also very important and to be continued in the in the future. Um, there are of course other important types of actions. Uh, agroforestry systems can really have an important role to play. Was already a reference made to the importance of of of vineyards that can act as firebreaks, uh, in particular areas, um, and uh, and create fuel gaps for the fire. So I think there is a quite a few measures that can be done in landscapes to make them more resilient and to enhance preparedness, and I think that is precisely what we try to do with the Common Agricultural Policy. And that is precisely why also preparedness is one of the overall objectives of the plan that the Commission has proposed for the next financing period.”
EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.) · Agricultural funding
- “Environment and climate related actions, as well as Natura 2000 compensation measures. And in addition, important to underline the Cap strategic plan funds knowledge, training and advisory services cooperation between actors in the rural areas, which is also important for the forest sector. Let me turn briefly to climate aspects. Um, I talked to you already about the need to reverse the negative trend in storage of carbon and reflecting the need for increased EU climate ambition. Um, the revised Lulucf regulation distributes the effort of reaching an additional 42 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030. The removal target, that is of course, and, um, the national 2030 targets require each member state to increase its climate ambition and implement additional agriculture and forestry policies to achieve this. However, based on the projections included in the National Energy and Climate Plans, the EU currently still faces a gap of around 45 to 60 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent to meet this 2030 target, and therefore all member states need to take additional action for the EU to reach its net removal target in 2030 and to help land managers develop sustainable business models. So there is work to be done clearly in this area. Um, the next uh, point I wanted to touch upon is the forest monitoring law, an item that is currently under discussion in this House, in your common committee, with the Environment Committee.”
Management of EU forests · Nature protection and restoration in the EU
- “And as a result of this policy, some member states Spain under the first pillar. Ireland under the second pillar apply positive discrimination and provide higher support rates for young women farmers. Our experience shows also that gender mainstreaming works, in particular when women are involved and empowered in decision making processes, and for this reason, the majority of member states support at least 50% women. Participation in decision making bodies. The gap also strengthened the collection of data disaggregated by gender. Furthermore, the Cap provides funding for bottom up initiative projects. The operational groups, which are an excellent opportunity for women innovators to tackle agricultural and rural challenges. Joining forces with other partners. There are over 4000 of such innovation projects, and a concrete example is an Italian innovation project with the name A New Harvest Gender Solutions to a Multifunctional Agriculture, which aims to create an interactive model of innovation in agriculture, specifically for medium sized farms run by women. For the for the Future in Division of Agriculture and Food, the Commission acknowledges the need to strengthen the participation of women in farming, and therefore, the Commission will establish a Women in Farming platform in 2026. So a bit of patience, but we are working on this. A platform to be able to discuss and exchange good practices on this topic. Furthermore, we are in the process of the preparation of the generational renewal strategy. Mr. Berlato already referred to that, and we will make sure that this strategy includes a strong gender perspective, making sure that young women farmers receive all the necessary support they need to engage in farming activities for the future.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1) · Agricultural funding
- “So maybe in the interest of time, I won't dwell on this, but I think talking about, um, the importance of, for example, the climate ambitions, uh, that we need to we need to achieve it is very important to have the right data to be able to take good and effective and efficient policy measures. So I can only encourage you to come to a conclusion on this legislative process that will really help us in building a policies around forests on good data. Also, I'd like to briefly recall the work we do on research in the area of forests with an increased engagement of research for forestry under the current horizon programme compared to the previous programme. In the past couple of couple of years, the period 20 2124, we're talking about 22 projects, €140 million, and this is already almost more than in the entire previous period. I would also like to recall that we have published a number of guidelines in the past years on biodiversity friendly afforestation and reforestation closer to nature, forestry mapping and protection of old growth forests, payment schemes for forest ecosystem services. So there is a lot of guidelines. Guidelines that have been have been made in these areas. Another topic that is is something on which we can exchange is of course the work on the deforestation regulation. Um, there you know that the commission has been working a lot on trying to ensure simpler implementation of this legislation.”
Trade impact on forests · Management of EU forests
- “Um, but, uh, the the orientation is to convert it to aggregated estimates that correspond to common definitions. So we can come to European data on this as well. Um, I believe there were other questions on forest monitoring, but I'm not entirely sure whether I've covered all aspects. Uh, so far, um, but maybe I address a number of the questions on the deforestation regulation. I think what is, um, very important is to underline that we are working on, uh, the implementation. Very. I'm just looking for the right papers. Make sure I say tell you the right things. Uh, policies. Um, what is important is that we are preparing this very carefully. The chair you you asked at the end, uh, you suggest that we should open it again? Uh, you know, we have agreed with you, uh, a postponement of the implementation. Um, so that starts now on the, uh, on the 30th of December of this year and for, uh, SMEs and micro-enterprises later in 2026. Um, and in the meantime, we have been working very hard on making sure that implementation is as simple as possible. You have seen that in, on the 15th of April, we we published a package of simplification measures for UDR. This included an update of our Frequently Asked Questions document just to clarify things for the sector.”
Due diligence in supply chains (environmental and human rights) · Trade impact on forests
- “Commissioner Labib talked about prevention measures. Commissioner Hansen underlined support for farmers. Um, we need to, uh, also in the future, ensure we have policies to build fire resilient landscapes. Um, and that's also part of our ambitions, uh, climate resilience plan, which is foreseen for next year. Then we have active management of high risk areas through grazing measures, controlled burning, which can reduce risk of fires, and the synergies that member states should explore with nature based solutions implemented under their National Nature Restoration plans. Preparedness investments are central in the new national and regional partnership plans. Um preparedness is in fact a core objective of these plans, giving member states a chance to design tailor made investments for their own needs and indeed, using the different funds in that new national and regional partnership plan to the best, uh, in the best way. Um, and also in the Cap proposal within these national and regional partnership programmes, the Commission preserves all the current instruments dedicated to the prevention and restoration of agricultural potential after disasters, such as forest fires. So with that introduction, I would like to hand the floor back to you. Thank you very.”
Nature protection and restoration in the EU · EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.) · Agricultural funding
- “Apologies, apologies. I will slow down. The member states, Spain and Ireland have introduced positive discrimination for women by providing higher support rates to young women farmers under both pillars of the Cap. Also this higher support rates were referred to in the contributions this morning. Very important also is gender disaggregated data collection which we have strengthened enabling better tracking of gender related budget expenditure. The fact that we can speak about these topics is also because we have more data. The Cap also funds bottom up innovation projects. The European Innovation Partnership operational groups, which offer excellent opportunities for women innovators in agriculture. There are many of these projects and a few of them particularly target women, such as a New Harvest Gender Solutions to a Multifunctional Agriculture, an Italian initiative aimed at small to medium farms run by women or where women play a significant role. And I also would like to underline that under the Horizon Europe research funding, we have a number of projects focusing on research on women in farming and women in rural areas. Um, happy to, uh, recommend you to look at, for example, projects like Grass Ceiling or Swift for those who are interested to find out more. And finally, let me say a few words about the future policy. Um, in 2026, the Commission will establish a Women in Farming platform, one of the flagship initiatives envisaged by the strategy for Generational Renewal. The platform aims to promote mentoring, policy exchange and leadership by women in agriculture. Um, and this uh, builds notably on examples like the one from Austria.”
Gender roles, equality and inclusion · Agricultural funding · EU research funding
- “Thank you, Madam Chair. My my colleagues have been very generous with their answers, so. But I will try to add what hasn't been been replied. And the area of DG agri. I think it's very important to underline the importance of the funding programmes that support habitats for pollinators through the Common Agricultural Policy. You've heard already support for organic farming landscape features. There was a question around precision farming. Indeed, there are six member states that provide specific funding for precision farming. But data also shows that adoption of modern technology in agriculture is much more widespread. There's, of course, also a private interest for many farmers to adopt those those technologies. And I think it's important to underline that these funding possibilities, uh, can continue in the future programming period. There were a lot of references to the next MFF and the cut in budget. I would like to reiterate, as my Commissioner has done in this House last week, that this is a minimum ring fence for agriculture and that the member States have a large possibility and also responsibility to add funding from the unallocated part of the proposed fund to the priorities that are important. And as you have rightly underlined, pollination and protection of biodiversity is important also for agriculture, indeed the crops. Um, there is, of course, a differentiation in how important pollination is for crops, but there are multiple crops where this is hugely important.”
Nature protection and restoration in the EU · Agricultural funding
- “We all know certain oilseeds, fruits that were where pollination is absolutely crucial. So I don't think there is a debate around the importance of pollination for agricultural production in terms of apiculture. You know, there is an apiculture program in the period 2023 to 2027. There is a total program of 610 million, of which around 240 comes from the EU budget. The rest is a member state contribution. And this also this program is also foreseen to continue in the next programming period. Moreover, in the proposal, we also foresee the possibility to provide coupled support to apiculture uh, in which is not possible today. Um, finally, maybe a point on, um, the reference to the breakfast directive and the famous, uh, honey directive, which you have voted, uh, obviously very important. These new rules and, uh, as was already referenced by my colleagues in terms of implementation and control, this is primarily a responsibility of the member states. But we, of course, work with the member states and check on the member States to ensure this happens properly. To ensure that also the market conditions for honey are good. As you know, we are a deficit for honey. We import around 40% of the honey consumed in the EU. So also trade and controls on trade is very important. Thank you very much. ***4. Exchange of views with the Commission on the impact of the forest fires of 2025 on EU agriculture”
Agricultural funding
- “And I think there is serious amounts, significant amounts being allocated to, uh, restoration and to preparedness. Let me just mention two examples in the current Common Agricultural Policy. For example, in Italy, a programme on prevention of forest damage, 191 million in almost all regions, um, with a wide range of measures. I would of course agree that this needs to be controlled. We have in DG agri A. Control system. An audit system. So we follow and monitor and control of course, how member states spend this money. But this is a serious prevention program in Italy and in Spain under the current programming period for the Common Agricultural Policy. Um, there was a non-productive forest investment prevention of forest damage program, 477 million in all but one of the autonomous communities with prevention measures, uh, measures to establish and enhance grasslands and use of livestock fire prevention infrastructure. So a wide range of actions that we finance. So a lot of the the money that we talk about, uh, to help prevent forest fires and to restore damaged potential is real money that is flowing from the EU budget through member states to beneficiaries and and regions in Europe. And I think it's important to to underline that because the problems are so serious, we need to have a serious response.”
Management of EU forests · Agricultural funding · EU policy on infrastructure for preventing climate-related disasters (floods, droughts, extreme weather etc.)
- “But clearly, we need to take into account the importance of, uh, of peatlands, peatland and wetland as part of the Common Agricultural Policy. You're very well familiar. We try to protect those areas and try to reduce the emissions from those areas as part of our gayak. Our agricultural condition number two, under the Common Agricultural Policy. So obviously, making sure that we reduce or eliminate emissions from those lands is, is, is is very important. And I'm sure that the those who discuss this and are aware of this in in. I think it was Ireland specifically are very well aware and that is but I think we should not be I should not be be giving advice on that regard. Um, I think I've covered a lot of the questions. Um. I hope so, anyway, I. Madam chair, I hope I've indeed addressed most of the concerns, although maybe too generally. But my time is up. But given the fact that there is a lot of strong interest in forests, and given the the further activities that the commission, not only my director general but more widely other directors general are developing in this area. I'm sure there will be future occasions to discuss this topic, and we are, as always, very happy to come and exchange of views with all of you on this topic. Thank you very much.”
Nature protection and restoration in the EU · Direct payments to farmers (pillar 1)
- “This sink of the what the technicians call the lulucf sector is shrinking in the last decade. And the decline of the sink, to a large degree, is due to a decrease in sinks in forests. Let me let me turn a bit to the aspects of of nature. Forests have a rich biodiversity. Hugely important. 727% of EU forest area is protected. However, the forest conservation status for protected habitats is still not favourable and should be considerably improved. According to the latest report by the European Environmental Agency on the State of Nature in the European Union. This report covers the period 2013 2018 and the next report covering the period 2019 2024 is currently under preparation, and these reports are based on Member States reports that they provide to the Commission on the basis of the Habitats Directive. The economic aspects of forestry should certainly not be underestimated and ignored either. Forests play a huge, hugely important role in the EU economy. Forestry, wood manufacturing, the paper industry provide 3.6 million jobs figure from 2022, and EU forests are 60% privately owned. And we're talking here about 16 million individuals. So also forest ownership is really widespread just out of comparison. After all, working for DG agriculture, we have 9 million farmers. We have 16 million individuals owning forests. It's important to have those those figures also in mind discussing forestry. Of course, forests provide food, medicines, materials, clean water, clean air and provide the natural resource to fight climate change.”
Management of EU forests · Nature protection and restoration in the EU
- “Um, I'm happy to answer questions on that as well. Um, and, um, I see I'm running out of time. So I propose that maybe some of the other aspects I want to mention, I just touch upon them. And if you're interested, we can exchange more. This is, for example, the work that the commission is doing on its objective to plant 3 billion additional trees, where we launched here in this Parliament, a 3 billion tree award to put more energy into this, uh, this, uh, this action. We have, of course, work on the implementation of the Nature Restoration Regulation, which also affects the forestry, uh, And forestry sector. And finally, I think it's important to mention that that under this mandate, the Commission has not planned new forest specific initiatives, but we will carry out a scheduled review of the EU forest strategy, which is planned for 2025. And I think it's also very relevant to mention our work on the new EU bioeconomy strategy, which is which is ongoing work on the Common Agricultural Policy post 2028, as well as the work on the nature credits. So we are looking at the forestry sector, particularly through these lenses now, and I think specifically the work on the bioeconomy strategy will be a huge opportunity also for the forestry sector. Chair, I hand the floor back. Thank you for the time.”
Management of EU forests · Nature protection and restoration in the EU · EU support for bioeconomic applications