Brussels, 19/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - The delegated acts on the reform of the common agriculture policy (CAP) continue to raise concerns among the members of the agriculture committee of the European Parliament, which will vote on 7 April on whether or not to reject the most controversial texts.
At two meetings behind closed doors, the first on Monday 17 March at the level of the coordinators of the political groups, followed by the second on Tuesday 18 March between the members of the agriculture committee, several attendees spoke out in favour of rejecting certain specific delegated acts, particularly the one on direct payments. A number of MEPs also criticised the delegated acts on producer organisations and on the single common market organisation (CMO). Albert Dess (EPP, Germany) argued for rejection of certain delegated acts, on the grounds that these texts are too difficult to implement on the ground and cause too much red tape for farmers. Luis Manuel Capoulas Santos (S&D, Portugal) expressed his desire to consult the members of his group before taking position. He is not believed to be in favour of rejecting the acts, at least at this stage. The Greens criticised the texts, whereas the Liberals were reported to be satisfied overall with the improvements made to the delegated acts.
At this stage, it is hard to say which political groups are for or against individual delegated acts. Many MEPs within the agriculture committee of the EP criticised some of the acts, but in their own name rather than on behalf of the political group. The coordinators will have to talk to their members to assess the degree of support for rejection of specific delegated acts.
If the agriculture committee of the EP should vote in favour of rejection of any particular delegated act, the plenary (in April) could either support this position, or take the opposite decision and approve all of the texts. The rejection by the EP will require an absolute majority (i.e. at least 384 votes out of 766). (LC)