Mercosur: What France and Italy want to get for EU farmers
The European ministers of France and Italy have adopted a joint declaration on the Mercosur agreement. They are calling for more protection against market distortions for EU farmers.
In France, the government aims to initiate a societal debate on the future management of water resources. This will be achieved through widely organized regional water conferences scheduled to take place from June to October in all catchment areas.
The goal is to create a space for dialogue among all user groups, as stated in a circular issued by Prime Minister François Bayrou on May 2.
According to the government, the focus of the dialogue will include addressing how tensions and conflicts surrounding the distribution of water resources can be avoided and resolved.
Issues such as increasing water pollution, approaches to improving existing management, discussing future funding for water policy, and managing climate risks like droughts and floods will also be on the agenda.
In recent times, conflicts over the use of water resources, particularly in agriculture, have escalated in France due to climate change. Disputes have arisen over the construction of water reservoirs for irrigation, leading to significant conflicts and legal interventions.
Another area of concern is the contamination of groundwater by residues from plant protection products. French farmers may expect a revival of the discussion regarding an increase in the plant protection tax (RPD). A previous tax increase was approved by the former government in the fall of 2023, along with a gradual reduction in tax discounts for agricultural diesel (GNR). Both measures had to be rescinded due to the subsequent farmer protests.