In this plenary round-up: new measures for EU agriculture and farmers; a more sustainable automotive sector; a European system for the return of illegally staying migrants; the EU enlargement process and the 2025 Sakharov Prize laureate Andrzej Poczobut awarded in Strasbourg. Highlights.

Plenary Round-up - Strasbourg, June 2026

Most of the world’s farmers are engaged in small-scale agriculture. Most small farms are located in developing countries but they are found in developed countries too. In fact, the vast majority of the EU’s 10 million farms are small farms. However we define a small farm, improving the conditions of small-scale food producers is a global objective.

Small farms' role in the EU food system – English

EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Improving the socio-economic situation of farmers and rural areas, ensuring fair incomes, food security as well as a just transition

This EPRS paper analyses how the European Commission is delivering on the policy agenda set by its President, Ursula von der Leyen, and her College of Commissioners since taking office in December 2024. It provides an initial assessment of the delivery of the agenda's seven priorities as of spring 2026.

The European Commission's seven priorities: delivery up to 1 March 2026

AGRI Public hearing on '  Energy efficiency on farms '

Delegation for relations with Israel - Exchange of views on the EU cooperation with Israel in the field of agriculture

EP Plenary session - Question Time to Commission on Bringing the EU Agriculture into the 21st century, smart solutions to reduce pesticide use and strengthening consumer protection

CONT Committee - Follow-up on investigations of possible misuse of EU funds for agriculture in Slovakia

AGRI Committee Trilogue - Extension of the term of Community plant variety rights for the species asparagus and the species groups flower bulbs, woody small fruits and woody ornamentals

Visit of Luis PLANAS PUCHADES - Minisiter of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of Spain  - Meeting with the Spanish MEPs of the AGRI Committee

Visit of Luis PLANAS PUCHADES - Minisiter of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food of  Spain  - Meeting with the Chair of AGRI Committee

This infoclip illustrate the current need to protect and promote the wine sector in the EU. The new legislation approved by the European Parliament in 2026 includes more funds for winegrowers to adjust production to market developments and extra tools to deal with extreme weather events. Furthemore, wine with less than 0.05% alcohol to be labelled “alcohol-free 0.0%”; wine from 0.5% alcohol but 30% lower than the standard to be labelled as “alcohol reduced”, New rules will also support wine tourism, export and promotion. The infoclip shows a wine farm in Tuscany, Azienda Agricola Castelvecchio and a wine bar in Brussels, Le Chemin des vignes.

Infoclip: EU wine legislation - Agriculture and rural development

Farmers within the European Union face low and unstable incomes, high exposure to weather and climate risks, and strong price fluctuations in agricultural markets. They are expected to ensure food security while also protecting the environment and adapting to climate change. Many farmers rely on the European Union support to maintain viable livelihoods and keep rural areas economically and socially alive. This infoclip shows images from farmers' protests in Brussels, images from crops, fruit and vegetable cultivation, harvesting, livestock farming and food production.

Infoclip: European agriculture challenges

This infoclip shows images of extreme weather events like floods, fires, and droughts, alongside efforts to protect the environment, such as ocean plastic collection. It also depicts factory chimneys, cars, and airplanes, before shifting to wind farms, solar panels, and eco-friendly fuels. In the annual State of the Union (SOTEU) debate, the President of the European Commission should address the most pertinent topics, including also building a competitive, resilient agriculture and food system, safeguarding biodiversity, and preparing for a changing climate to secure a sustainable future. © Images of firefighters battling fires and aiding in flood relief efforts are strictly for journalistic purposes. For any other use, please contact the press office of the Spanish Emergency Military Unit (Unidad Militar de Emergencias).

Infoclip: Protection of environment

In a debate on Thursday, MEPs and the Commission discuss plans for the future of the agri-food sector in the EU. The ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’ was announced by Ursula von der Leyen in the political guidelines for her new Commission and adopted on 19 February 2025. The communication outlines planned initiatives to simplify and better target the EU common agricultural policy (CAP) to farmers who need support the most. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

A vision for agriculture and food: closing statements

In a debate on Thursday, MEPs and the Commission discuss plans for the future of the agri-food sector in the EU. The ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’ was announced by Ursula von der Leyen in the political guidelines for her new Commission and adopted on 19 February 2025. The communication outlines planned initiatives to simplify and better target the EU common agricultural policy (CAP) to farmers who need support the most.

A vision for agriculture and food: MEPs debate

In a debate on Thursday, MEPs and the Commission discuss plans for the future of the agri-food sector in the EU. The ‘Vision for Agriculture and Food’ was announced by Ursula von der Leyen in the political guidelines for her new Commission and adopted on 19 February 2025. The communication outlines planned initiatives to simplify and better target the EU common agricultural policy (CAP) to farmers who need support the most. Opening statements. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

A vision for agriculture and food: opening statements

Closing statement by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union on the outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture. In January 2024, the EU launched the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of Agriculture, following EC President von der Leyen's announcement in her September 2023 State of the Union address. The initiative brought together 29 key stakeholders from the agri-food sector, rural communities, and academia to shape a shared vision for EU farming and food systems. On 4 September 2024, EC President von der Leyen received the group's final report, "A Shared Prospect for Farming and Food in Europe," from Chair Professor Peter Strohschneider. The report outlines challenges, opportunities, and recommendations that will guide the European Commission's Vision for Agriculture and Food during von der Leyen's second term.

Outcome of the Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture: closing statement by Mairead MCGUINNESS, European Commissioner for Financial Services, Financial Stability, and Capital Markets Union

The common agricultural policy (CAP) has three clear environmental goals, which are echoed in the European Green Deal and Farm to Fork strategy: tackling climate change, protecting natural resources and enhancing biodiversity. These goals are supported by the CAP’s promotion of organic farming and the responsible management of inputs like pesticides and fertilisers. The CAP aims to reach its environmental goals in a way that is socially and economically sustainable for farmers and rural communities. This infoclip illustrates an example of a sustainable farm in Enghien, Belgium.

Agriculture (T2)

Videos

Photos

Photosets

Audios

Infographics

Media published for this tag

12

Videos

30

Photosets

2

Audios

552

Photos

1

Infographics