CAP reform deadlines loom as MEPs disagree  with agriculture ministers in Brussels talks

Taking part in this week's EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers Council meeting, from left, Spain’s Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Luis Planas Puchades; Portugal’s Minister of Maritime Affairs Ricardo Serrão Santos; and Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Charlie McConalogue. Picture: European Union

The odds against progress in Brussels this week towards a CAP reform have lengthened.

Agreement on the reform is required between the member states and the Parliament, in negotiations overseen by the EU Commission.