As early as 1958, in the Stresa Conference — where the Common Agricultural Policy, one of the EU’s flagship policies, was conceived — interested groups such as farmers’ organisations were already part of the discussions. Since then, much has happened for the EU and for the agri‑food sector in particular.
The interaction between interested groups, such as Euroseeds, and the EU institutions is one of the raisons d’être of EU associations. This role was recognised by the Commission as early as 1993: “(…) This dialogue has proved valuable to both the Commission and to interested outside parties. Commission officials acknowledge the need for such outside input and welcome it (…)”[1].
Since then, the role of the European Parliament in shaping EU legislation has increased. Little by little, policy areas previously outside the Parliament’s remit have been brought under its legislative powers. Nowadays, any new piece of legislation requires the Parliament’s acquiescence, and it is undeniable that Members of the European Parliament like to exercise their powers.
There is no official estimate regarding the time needed by the Commission to prepare a new legislative proposal (at least, not that I am aware). However, some studies mention that it can take more than seven years for legislation to be fully adopted — from preparatory work to implementation. This relatively long timeframe can be challenging for a single organisation to cover, and this is one of the main reasons why long‑term commitment to EU associations, engaged in EU advocacy and public affairs, is essential.
Let’s take the example of New Genomic Techniques (NGTs). In 2019, after the push from the sector, the Council requested the Commission to carry out a study on NGTs. This study was published in 2021, together with a letter announcing the Commission’s intention to propose new legislation on the topic. From that moment, the entire process began — inception impact assessment, public consultation, impact assessment, drafting – and finally, two years later in 2023, the proposal was adopted by the Commission. The next phase, from 2023 to 2026, includes discussions in both the Parliament and the Council. If everything goes smoothly, the basic act will be adopted in mid‑2026. Adding the implementation period (two years, or one and a half if we are lucky) takes us to 2028 — roughly seven years. A similar timeline can be expected for the Plant Reproductive Material proposal, which will likely take even longer than the NGTs.
All this long introduction serves to put into perspective the need for any sector to get actively involved in EU decision‑making and, in this respect, how EU associations provide a strong platform for doing so (from a handful of organisations represented in 1958 to more than 2,800 registered organisations with an interest in agriculture in 2026).
Final Note
After more than seven years, these are my last days at Euroseeds, and I have used part of them to look back to 2018 and reflect on what has happened since. In terms of legislation, we have worked on New Genomic Techniques (NGTs), Plant Reproductive Material (PRM), the Sustainable Use Regulation (SUR), various files on seed equivalence (mainly with Ukraine), Brexit implementation, plant health outbreaks — just to name the most relevant ones.
All this work requires gathering and sharing information, drafting replies to consultations, preparing joint positions, drafting amendment proposals, carrying out analyses, commenting on compromise amendments, preparing voting recommendations, drafting press releases and joint letters, meeting with decision‑makers, organising events, and participating in conferences… tasks that are difficult to manage without being part of a team based in Brussels.
But time marches on, and new files are already emerging: ongoing discussions about the Research Framework Programme, trade and tariffs (Mercosur, EU/UK reset, US…), the Omnibus package on Food and Feed (treated seeds), the upcoming evaluation of the Community Plant Variety Rights legislation, the evaluation of the EU Access and Benefit-Sharing Regulation…
I am very grateful for these years at Euroseeds and for the opportunity to work with and for the EU seed sector. Keep up the good work!
[1] eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:C:1993:063:FULL
