This Week in Agri-Food — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes €489m EUSF aid for storm-hit Portugal, Spain, Italy, Malta; New customs code adopted (Reg. 2026/2108); Multiple new feed additive authorisations; Disease control zones updated for avian flu, swine fever.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission proposes €489m EUSF aid for storm-hit Portugal, Spain, Italy, Malta; New customs code adopted (Reg. 2026/2108); Multiple new feed additive authorisations; Disease control zones updated for avian flu, swine fever.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission proposes €489 million in EU Solidarity Fund aid for storm recovery in four Member States
On 16 September 2026, the European Commission proposed to mobilise €489 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to assist Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Malta in recovering from severe storms and flooding experienced in January and February 2026. The proposal follows applications submitted after storm Harry struck Malta and Italy in January, and subsequent flooding in Portugal and Spain. The financial support would cover emergency operations, reconstruction of essential infrastructure, and restoration of services including transport, energy, and water. Portugal is set to receive €261 million, Spain €149 million, Italy €74.8 million, and Malta €3.72 million, with advance payments already disbursed to three of the four countries. The Commission's proposal now requires approval from the European Parliament and Council, after which the remaining funds will be disbursed.
Commission Q&A: Fair Labour Mobility Package – Digitalisation of labour documents and stronger enforcement
On 14 September 2026, the Commission published a detailed Q&A on the Fair Labour Mobility Package, focusing on the digitalisation of social security and qualification documents, improved recognition of professional qualifications, and an expanded mandate for the European Labour Authority (ELA). The package introduces the European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) and the EU Digital Identity Wallet, aiming to simplify cross-border verification for workers and businesses. The measures include faster processing for professional recognition and new common training frameworks, with specific timelines for implementation. The strengthened role of ELA will support enforcement across borders, including for non-EU nationals, and facilitate joint inspections in sectors such as agriculture. The digitalisation initiatives are expected to reduce fraud and administrative burden, with the Digital Wallet available by end of 2026.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Union Customs Code and EU Customs Authority established by Regulation (EU) 2026/2108
Regulation (EU) 2026/2108, adopted on 16 September 2026, establishes a new Union Customs Code and creates the European Union Customs Authority, replacing the former Regulation (EU) No 952/2013. The regulation introduces the EU Customs Data Hub, centralises risk management, and sets out updated rules for customs procedures, including new provisions for e-commerce and distance sales. The Authority will be based in Lille, France. Provisions will be phased in, with the EU Customs Data Hub fully operational by March 2034.
Amendment to deforestation regulation: Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 updates product list
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102, published 17 September 2026, amends Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-related products. The updates clarify product coverage, add certain palm oil derivatives and soluble coffee, and remove specific leather and rubber products from the scope. The regulation aims to enhance legal certainty for operators and will inform future policy reviews.
Feed additive authorisations and renewals: Multiple implementing regulations adopted 17–18 September 2026
Several Commission Implementing Regulations (EU) 2026/2061, 2072, 2074, 2076, 2077, 2079 and 2070 authorise new or renewed use of feed additives including narasin and diclazuril (Interban), perlite, a preparation of Bacillus subtilis and Lentilactobacillus buchneri, nutmeg essential oil, benzoic acid-thymol-eugenol-piperine preparations, and alpha-galactosidase and endo-1,4-beta-xylanase. Corrections were also made regarding 2-chloroethanol in choline chloride authorisation. Authorisations specify conditions, maximum levels, and user safety requirements.
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Geographical indications: Olio dei Colli di Bologna (PGI) and Segarcea (PDO) updates
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2078 registers 'Olio dei Colli di Bologna' as a protected geographical indication (PGI), while Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2106 approves a Union amendment to the product specification for 'Segarcea' (PDO). Both acts apply under Regulation (EU) 2024/1143.
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Retrospective Union surveillance extended for renewable ethanol for fuel imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2047 of 14 September 2026 extends retrospective surveillance of imports of renewable ethanol for fuel for three years, in response to increased imports and declining EU producer market share. The measure covers specific TARIC codes and takes effect from 16 September 2026.
Special disease control zones amended for African swine fever and avian influenza
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2094 amends the restricted zones for African swine fever in Finland, Hungary, and Poland. Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2109 updates emergency measures for highly pathogenic avian influenza in France. The changes adjust control areas and durations in response to recent outbreaks.
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Biocidal product authorisations and amendments: Multiple implementing regulations adopted
The Commission adopted several Implementing Regulations authorising Union market placement for biocidal products, including OXTERIL® 350 VHP, various hydrogen peroxide product families, glutaraldehyde formulations, and administrative updates to Sure Lactic Family and SOPUROXID. Authorisations are aligned with Regulation (EU) No 528/2012.
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Emergency measures extended for sheep pox and goat pox in Romania
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2075 of 10 September 2026 amends zones and durations for emergency measures following additional outbreaks of sheep pox and goat pox in Romania. The revisions update restricted areas and surveillance periods in line with the latest epidemiological data.
Update to EU list of vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2045 amends Regulation (EU) No 468/2010 to update the EU list of vessels engaged in illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, reflecting recent changes in regional fisheries management organisation lists.
EU Council
Agriculture and Fisheries Council to discuss post-2027 CAP and agricultural markets
The Agriculture and Fisheries Council is scheduled to meet on 28 September 2026 to address a partial general approach on post-2027 EU support for the Common Fisheries Policy, as well as to discuss the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy and exchange views on the situation of agricultural markets.
