“This is a good week. Not only because we have achieved the aims of the Presidency but first and foremost because we have decided to ensure better animal welfare for animals in Europe and because we have taken important steps towards a greener agriculture – a greener Europe,“ says the Danish chair, Minister Mette Gjerskov.

The Danish Presidency has worked intensively to reach agreement on the strategy on animal welfare 2012 – 2015 and with regard to the Commission’s report on transport of animals. These decisions are a strong signal that animal welfare is high on the EU agenda and that the EU will strive to strengthen animal welfare.

Combating antimicrobial resistance

At the meeting the Danish chair presented a proposal for council conclusions on combating antimicrobial resistance:

“Fighting antimicrobial resistance is a major priority of the Danish Presidency. Each year 25,000 European citizens die due to antimicrobial resistance and the problem is increasing. This calls for action. Therefore I am content in having full support for the conclusions that are expected to be adopted at the EPSCO Council 22 June,“ states Mette Gjerskov.

The reform of the Common Agricultural Policy

Council has also endorsed the Presidency’s progress report on the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. Most of the major elements have already been discussed at Council meetings during the Danish Presidency, and at the most recent meeting, before the endorsement of the progress report, the Council discussed the proposal on the Rural Development Policy.

“I am convinced that green transition and growth are two sides of the same coin. Therefore I am content that there is a broad understanding that the Rural Development Policy should contribute to the protection of nature aswell. And I am glad that the Council has endorsed a progress report on the reform with focus on both simplification and green solutions,“ says Mette Gjerskov.

Report on organic farming

The Commission presented its evaluations report on the existing organic legislation.

“Organic farming is a powerful tool for green transition, and it is important that we now have the Commission’s report which, in turn, means that we can begin discussions on the future regulation of organic farming,“ says Mette Gjerskov.

Further Reading Go to our previous news item on this story by clicking here.