This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission tables India FTA; Outermost regions strategy unveiled; Public Procurement Act explained.
September 07, 2026 to September 13, 2026
Commission tables India FTA; Outermost regions strategy unveiled; Public Procurement Act explained.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Fisheries (PECH): On September 17, the European Parliament's Committee on Fisheries (PECH) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings; *** End of electronic vote ***.
European Commission
Commission presents landmark India trade deal to Council for signature
On 10 September 2026, the European Commission submitted proposals to the Council seeking authorization to sign and conclude the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India. The agreement, if approved, will be the largest FTA for both entities, aiming to reduce or eliminate tariffs on 96% of EU goods exports to India. The Commission highlights expected annual tariff savings of approximately €4 billion for European exporters and enhanced market access. The deal is designed to strengthen trade and investment rules, supporting nearly 800,000 EU jobs. Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security, Maroš Šefčovič, described the agreement as a key element of the EU's Indo-Pacific strategy. Following Council authorization, the FTA will require European Parliament consent and parallel ratification by Indian authorities before entering into force.
A new strategic vision for the outermost regions, strengthening the EU's global reach
On 9 September 2026, the European Commission adopted a Communication outlining a new strategic vision for the EU's nine outermost regions, including French Guiana, Réunion, the Azores, and the Canary Islands. The strategy is accompanied by a regulatory package proposing targeted adaptations to EU legislation in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and taxation, as authorized under Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission aims to improve resilience, competitiveness, connectivity, and food security in these regions. The proposals will be submitted to the Council after consultation with the European Parliament. President Ursula von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto underlined the Commission's commitment to integrating the outermost regions' specific needs into future EU legislative initiatives.
Questions and answers on the EU Public Procurement Act
On 8 September 2026, the Commission provided detailed responses regarding its proposed Public Procurement Act, which aims to revise and consolidate EU procurement rules. The Act will replace three procurement Directives with a single Regulation, simplifying legal requirements and procedures for public buyers across the Single Market. Key features include the creation of a Digital Marketplace, new rules on contract award criteria prioritizing quality, and integration of environmental and social considerations. The Act also introduces European preference mechanisms and strengthens safeguards against fraud and corruption, while clarifying the role of procurement in promoting innovation and ensuring security and resilience. Sectoral rules and concessions are aligned within the new framework.
