The ministers will give special attention to the draft Rural Development Regulation, the draft Regulation on the common organisation of the markets in agricultural products and the draft Regulation for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund.

On Monday, September 24, 2012, the Agriculture and Fisheries Council will deal with the agricultural issues. The main issue of discussion will be the CAP Reform and specifically the Regulations on Rural Development and on the common organisation of the markets in agricultural products. The orientation debate will be structured on the basis of the Presidency questionnaires, which focus on the areas facing significant natural constraints (ANC) under rural development and the safety net of market management measures provided under the common organisation of the markets.

On Tuesday, September 25, 2012, the EU Fisheries Ministers will hold an orientation debate on the European Commission’s Proposal for the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. The debate will be structured on questions tabled by the Presidency in order to steer and accelerate the work of its preparatory bodies on the proposal. The purpose is to reach a partial general approach agreement at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in October this year.