Key facts
- MEP Barry Cowen stated Ireland must be impartial during its EU presidency regarding the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
- He noted that Ireland cannot enter the presidency with a 'wish list' for CAP.
- Cowen suggested Ireland can promote discussions on EU 'own resources' to address CAP funding shortfalls.
- The next CAP proposals envisage a 20% cut in funding, which the European Parliament has rejected.
- Ireland's presidency will be crucial for reaching agreements on the EU budget, defence, security, and CAP.
Irish MEP Barry Cowen has stated that Ireland must adopt an impartial stance during its upcoming six-month presidency of the EU, particularly concerning the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). He explained that Ireland cannot enter the presidency with a 'wish list' but must act as an 'honest broker' to balance the demands of member states and the European Parliament. Cowen suggested that Ireland can leverage its presidency to foster discussions on the EU's 'own resources,' such as taxation, to compensate for potential shortfalls in CAP funding. The current proposals for the next CAP (2028-2034) suggest an overall funding cut of 20%, a plan already rejected by the European Parliament. Negotiations on this matter are ongoing and will be a key focus during Ireland's presidency, which runs from July 1 to December 31. Cowen also highlighted the importance of reaching agreements on the overall EU budget, defence, and security spending, noting that increased defence budgets should be matched by commitments to food security. He indicated that the Irish government can work to reinforce CAP funding through higher national co-financing levels.