Ierse landbouwminister: eind juni deal landbouwbeleid (en)

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney i TD confirms that full political agreement by the end of June was still very much on target.

Minister Coveney provided colleagues with a report on the latest phase of the CAP reform negotiations; trilogues with the European Parliament. Of the 34 trilogues scheduled between April and June, six have already taken place in a constructive and positive atmosphere. A number of technical points have already been agreed and the process is moving quickly to the substantive issues.

As part of its policy programme, the Irish Presidency has prioritised securing an agreed Reform of the CAP by the end of June.

Minister Coveney said:

“I am convinced that we can get a deal by the end of June, however this will require an exceptional effort from all three European institutions . The positions of the Council and the Parliament are not that far apart and I believe that the Commission will show some flexibility also. It is important that we show that the EU institutions can work efficiently and that the agriculture sector can deliver a CAP that is fit for purpose to help Europe meet its current challenges.”

The Minister confirmed he had discussed with colleagues the need for additional informal contacts at political level to prepare the ground for agreement on the main and most difficult points. He said that the Presidency would use the informal Council meeting on 27/28 May in Dublin to facilitate this process. This will also involve the COMAGRI chair, Paolo De Castro i, the Rapporteurs for each of the four proposals and the EU Commission. The June Council would then be the key moment for final decisions and political agreement.

The Council also heard a presentation from the Commission of its proposals for transitional arrangements for the CAP for 2014.

ENDS