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This study explores the competitiveness gap faced by the EU’s seafood sector. Five case studies illustrate how high input costs and relatively low productivity mean that imports, now supply over 80% of the EU’s consumption of fisheries and aquaculture products (FAPs). The policy recommendations provided aim to help secure a more self-sufficient, sustainable, and resilient seafood system. This document was prepared at the request of the Committee on Fisheries (PECH).

On 8 December 2025, the European Parliament and the Council reached a provisional agreement on the 2023 Commission proposal for a regulation on the production and marketing of forest reproductive material (FRM). The new regulation would replace the current FRM Council Directive and widen its scope to include not only FRM for forestry purposes but also the FRM for conservation of forest genetic resources. The proposal would introduce a requirement for the basic material harvested for FRM production ...

In February 2026, two and a half years after the European Commission's proposal, trilogues started on a new regulation on the production and marketing of plant reproductive material (PRM). The proposal, put forward on 5 July 2023, would replace 10 of the 12 PRM directives that currently lay down the rules for seeds, tubers, cuttings, seedlings and young plants. It would introduce sustainability requirements for registering new varieties of agricultural plants, vegetables and fruits intended for professional ...

The Greater North Sea is part of the North-East Atlantic, the EU's most important fisheries area. The marine area is surrounded by densely populated, highly industrialised countries making intensive use of the waters and coasts for a broad range of economic activities. This gives rise to several environmental issues and growing competition for space. Fishing activities in the Greater North Sea have decreased considerably since the 1970s. Many fish stocks have reached sustainable levels. At the same ...

This study examines recent developments in EU farm incomes, focusing on the heightened price volatility observed since 2020. Sharp increases in energy, fertiliser, and feed costs, driven by multiple factors, have led to significant income variations across Member States and farm types. The report reviews challenges in measuring farm income and proposes improvements to enhance the timeliness, coverage, and policy relevance of income data. It also summarises existing farm income support mechanisms ...

This study examines recent developments in EU farm incomes, focusing on the heightened price volatility observed since 2020. Sharp increases in energy, fertiliser, and feed costs, driven by multiple factors, have led to significant income variations across Member States and farm types. The report reviews challenges in measuring farm income and proposes improvements to enhance the timeliness, coverage, and policy relevance of income data. It also summarises existing farm income support mechanisms ...

On 28 March 2025, the European Commission put forward the 'wine package' – a proposed regulation that would amend some of the EU rules applying to the EU wine sector. The aim is to help prevent surplus production of wine, further harmonise wine labels, simplify production of de-alcoholised and partially alcoholised sparkling wine, and promote wine tourism better. During the February plenary session, Parliament is expected to vote on the provisional agreement reached with the Council.

This study explores the competitiveness gap faced by the EU’s seafood sector. Five case studies illustrate how high input costs and relatively low productivity mean that imports, now supply over 80% of the EU’s consumption of fisheries and aquaculture products (FAPs). The policy recommendations provided aim to help secure a more self-sufficient, sustainable, and resilient seafood system. This document was prepared at the request of the Committee on Fisheries (PECH).

The great cormorant is a highly mobile, fish-eating bird that has a significant and widespread impact on fish stocks and aquaculture sites. Due to its predation impact, the cormorant was heavily persecuted in the 19th and early 20th centuries, but has been a protected species since the European Union Birds Directive came into force in 1979. Its population has grown significantly since then. While the bird cannot be hunted, the Birds Directive permits derogations to prevent serious damage to wild ...

Farmers' health is inseparable from food security. However, occupational hazards, infectious diseases and psychosocial pressures reduce productivity, weaken farm viability and threaten the sustainability of the EU's rural communities and food systems. Farmers face daily risks from accidents involving machinery and vehicles, falls from height, drowning, electrocution, and injuries related to livestock handling, alongside exposure to biological agents such as dust, fungi, ticks and zoonotic diseases ...