Tánaiste Simon Harris and agriculture minister Martin Heydon to raise CAP funding with EU commissioners
The future direction of the EU's Common Agriculture Policy (Cap) will be up for discussion on Tuesday as Tánaiste Simon Harris and agriculture minister Martin Heydon meet the EU's Budget and Agriculture Commissioners in Dublin. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie
The future direction of the EU's Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) will be up for discussion on Tuesday as Tánaiste Simon Harris and agriculture minister Martin Heydon meet the EU's Budget and Agriculture Commissioners in Dublin.
The delegatiion will host European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin and European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen in Dublin this morning.
Mr Serafin is in Dublin as part of a tour of European capitals to discuss the EU’s next long-term budget, known as the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. Mr Harris is to stress that the trend for simplification across all EU efforts must extend to the multi-annual budget. “At this turbulent geopolitical time, we must control what is within our control. A European budget that focuses on investing in supporting jobs, agri food, farmers and skills is essential," Mr Harris said.
“It is vital that the funding structures we agree on for the coming years prioritise reducing bureaucracy and red tape. As president of the EcoFin Council of Europe when Ireland takes over the EU Presidency later this year, I am determined Ireland will be an honest broker in delivering a new multi annual budget. Today’s meeting with key Commissioners is an important step in advancing that work.”
Mr Heydon will stress the need for future food security in Europe. "A cut to CAP funding will have real consequences for farmers at a time when they are already facing rising input costs, increasing market volatility, and growing expectations in areas such as climate and environmental delivery. Farmers cannot be asked to do more with significantly less. A predictable and adequately funded CAP is essential if the policy is to deliver stability, sustainability and resilience across the European agricultural sector.”
European Minister Byrne commented: “From 1 July, Ireland will take the lead in negotiations over the next long term EU budget for 2028-2034. As European Affairs Minister, I look forward to chairing the General Affairs Council during our EU Presidency and ensuring that the next Multiannual Financial Framework is one which delivers for the EU, for Europe, and its people. I look forward to meeting Commissioners Serafin and Hansen in this respect.” For Further information contact:
Minister of state for European Affairs Thomas Byrne will also be part of Tuesday's discussions.
