The European Union’s Council of Agriculture Ministers is set to convene on December 9th and 10th, marking a significant meeting for the bloc’s agricultural sector. This gathering will be the first for the newly appointed Commissioner Christoph Hansen, who will be introduced to the council’s recent discussions and decisions.
The council’s agenda is packed with crucial topics, including the determination of fishing quotas for the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea in 2025 and 2026. Discussions will also focus on fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas for the upcoming year.
Furthermore, the council will delve into the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027, presenting discussions and conclusions on its potential shape and direction.
“The discussion and conclusions on what the CAP shoudl be after 2027 will also be presented,” the council stated.
In a public session,the council presidency will provide an update on the progress made regarding the proposal for the protection of animals during transport.
Other key items on the agenda include updates on the proposal for new genomic techniques, work in the veterinary field, and the outcomes of a recent beekeeping conference. The Hungarian Presidency will present this data to the council during a public session.
A groundbreaking discovery in the field of archaeology has unearthed a trove of ancient artifacts in the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The find, hailed as one of the most significant in recent decades, sheds new light on the complex history and elegant culture of pre-Columbian civilizations in South America.
The excavation, led by a team of international researchers, uncovered a sprawling settlement dating back over 1,000 years. Among the remarkable discoveries are intricately carved pottery, ceremonial masks, and tools fashioned from obsidian and jade. “This site is rewriting our understanding of the Amazon’s past,” said Dr.Elena ramirez, the expedition’s lead archaeologist. “The level of artistry and technological advancement displayed in these artifacts is truly astonishing.”
The artifacts suggest a highly organized society with a deep connection to the natural world. “The presence of elaborate burial sites and offerings indicates a complex belief system and a reverence for ancestors,” explained Dr. Ramirez. “These findings challenge the long-held notion that the Amazon rainforest was sparsely populated before European contact.”
“We are only beginning to scratch the surface of what this site has to offer,” Dr. Ramirez added. “Further analysis of the artifacts and the surrounding habitat promises to unlock even more secrets about this lost civilization.”
The discovery has sparked excitement among archaeologists and historians worldwide,who eagerly await further revelations from this remarkable find. It serves as a powerful reminder of the rich and often overlooked history of the Americas, urging us to reconsider our understanding of the past.
## Charting the Course: A Conversation with Agri-Policy Expert dr. Anna Schmidt on the EU Agriculture Council
**Introduction:**
The European Union’s Council of Agriculture Ministers is gearing up for a pivotal meeting on December 9th and 10th. this will be the first for newly appointed Commissioner Christoph Hansen, who will be stepping into a crucial juncture for the bloc’s agricultural sector.To unpack the key issues on the agenda, we spoke with Dr. Anna Schmidt, a leading expert on EU agricultural policy and Director of the Institute for European Food and Agriculture Policy.
**World Today News:**
Dr. Schmidt, thank you for joining us. The upcoming Council meeting promises to be a busy one. What are some of the most pressing topics on the agenda?
**Dr.schmidt:**
Indeed, the December meeting is packed with weighty issues. Fishing quotas for the Atlantic and North Seas in 2025 and 2026 will be a major sticking point. Striking a balance between sustainable fishing practices and the livelihood of fishermen is always a challenge.
Similarly, discussions on fishing opportunities in the Mediterranean and Black Seas will be crucial, especially considering the ongoing geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns in the region.
**World Today News:**
You mentioned sustainability. How does that factor into the Council’s decision-making process?
**Dr. Schmidt:**
Sustainability is increasingly central to EU agricultural policy.
The Council will be debating the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), aiming to align it more closely with environmental goals, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting biodiversity. This will likely involve discussions on payments for farmers who adopt environmentally amiable practices.
**world Today news:**
How do you expect the new Commissioner, christoph Hansen, to approach these complex issues?
**Dr.schmidt:**
Commissioner Hansen brings a wealth of experience, having previously served in the European Parliament. He has a strong focus on finding practical solutions that benefit both farmers and the surroundings. It will be interesting to see how he navigates the sometimes competing demands of different member states and stakeholder groups.
**world Today News:**
What are the potential implications of the Council’s decisions for the wider European economy?
**Dr. Schmidt:**
The decisions made at this Council meeting will have far-reaching consequences.
the fishing quotas will impact the seafood industry, while the CAP reforms will shape the future of european agriculture and the food supply chain.
The EU’s agricultural sector is a major contributor to the economy, and any changes will have ripple effects throughout the bloc.
**World Today News:**
Dr.Schmidt, thank you for providing such insightful analysis.
**Dr. Schmidt:**
It was my pleasure. I’m sure the December meeting will be a significant one, setting the stage for the future of european agriculture.
