Commissioner calls for review of EU agriculture payments

THE criteria for the distribution of European Union direct payments should be reviewed, according to Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Dacian Ciolos.

During a visit to Budapest, he said the option for using historical criteria has to be replaced with more equitable instruments to bridge the gaps between member states, regions and types of agriculture.

Ireland East MEP Mairead McGuinness, speaking after questioning Mr Ciolos at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, said the Commissioner is firmly against maintaining the historical basis for direct payments.