SUGAR: REFORM DEBATE IN WORKING GROUP TURNS TO COMPENSATION

摘要

Member States discussing the three options for reform of the EU's sugar regime in the Council of Ministers were faced with three key questions at their last working group meeting. They were told to cut through the political bluster that has characterised talks on the subject up until now and focus on the effects of reform on sweeteners competing with sugar, compensation for those that lose out by the reform and what price mechanisms might be necessary. Roughly speaking, the three options proposed bythe Commission at the end of September are: maintain the status quo with a small price fall; allow prices to fall to the level of imports; and full liberalisation. The Commission still expects to table a proposal under the Irish Presidency, but is now aiming for June 2004.