19 October 2009 - Monday morning was primarily devoted to the urgent situation in the milk market. The Commission presented its quarterly report on the situation in the milk market. As expected, the analysis showed that it is beginning to stabilise, even if the situation is still serious.
Member States have today taken a decision to approve the Commission’s proposal on extending the intervention period for butter and skimmed milk powder. The Commission also presented proposals on changing the regulations so that Member States are given new opportunities for restructuring the milk sector. In addition, changes were proposed that would allow the Commission to take new extensive measures in times of crisis.
At today’s meeting, the Commission also announced that it intends to propose an additional EUR 280 million to the milk sector. The issue of the budget will be handled by EU finance ministers and the European Parliament with regard to the negotiations on next years’ budget.
“I am pleased that the Commission has now been able to note that the situation in the milk market is beginning to show signs of stabilising,” said the chair of the Council, Minister for Agriculture Eskil Erlandsson. “It is satisfying that the Commission was able to present several future measures, which a large majority of my colleagues in the Council have called for. Many ministers can now take reassuring replies with them home to their dairy farmers.”
The meeting continues with a working lunch focusing on development issues and the importance of policy coherence and during the evening with negotiations in the fisheries area. A decision on the control regulation is expected late on Monday or early Tuesday.