A positive feature of the Brussels summit is that no upper limits have been placed after 2006 on rural development expenditure, which includes agri-environmental programmes such as the rural environment protection scheme, REPS, forestry and farmer retirement. The Council also emphasised that the needs of farmers living in disadvantaged areas should be safeguarded and multifunctional agriculture maintained in all areas of Europe. This represents a significant commitment by the European Council to protect and enhance the economic and social fabric of Europe's rural areas.