Brussels, 09/10/2013 (Agence Europe) - The experts on the Special Committee on Agriculture (SCA) began consideration, on Monday 7 October, of the proposal on transition measures (in 2014) for the new common agricultural policy (CAP). Unlike the Commission, the Parliament and some member states would like elements of the reform of the CAP to be included in the transition measures.
Some delegations to the SCA (including, those of Italy, Bulgaria, Finland, Slovenia, Greece and Cyprus) called for an increase in the percentage of coupled aid from 2014 to ensure a smooth transition from the current situation (3.5% maximum) to the new CAP (up to 13% coupled aid possible in certain circumstances). This call links in with a Parliament amendment (see EUROPE 10934). Other countries, such as the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands are against a rise in coupled aid levels. Several countries (France, Spain, Austria, Ireland, Estonia, Luxembourg and Greece) called for greater flexibility in implementing national caps. Some (France, Italy and Romania) note that the range of rural development measures covered by the 2014 transition has been extended to include training measures, in the Presidency's proposal. These delegations would like the range to be further extended. The Presidency will present an amended draft compromise at the next SCA meeting on 14 October, with the aim of defining a Council mandate for negotiations with Parliament on the transition measures. (LC/transl.fl)