The European Commission will present a proposal on Friday to simplify some rules of the Common Agricultural Policy. The move is in response to farmers' protests and in time for the summit of EU leaders on 21 and 22 March.
The proposal could expand the flexibility already granted on the obligations under the CAP for fallow land and crop rotation to obtain EU funds. It would also ensure that there are no sanctions for farmers who do not comply this year with environmental or climate standards. The majority of EU governments, including Italy, want to pause - or abolish - some principles of the CAP.