At the monthly meeting of agriculture ministers on Monday 29 January, European Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan responded to the fears raised by his proposals on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2020 which would see implementation of the policy devolved to the countries or, indeed, regions.
Just as at the first debate, in December, on the Commission’s proposals, a number of member states expressed concern at the amount of time it might take to have “national strategic plans” approved. These plans have to be established by the member states for implementation of the CAP’s European objectives (see EUROPE 11923).
In order to offer reassurance, Hogan announced that a “task force” would shortly be set up to help the member states already to make preparations. In his view, planning could begin straight away, despite there being no financial framework – due to be tabled by the Commission only at the end of May – or formal legislative proposals.
The strategic plans must address the specific characteristics of the member states, Hogan said, adding that he hoped to be able to provide them with all the details shortly. He promised fewer rules and checks and a move to a results-based system rather than one based on compliance.
The EU will no longer legislate in the merest detail, he stated. He gave assurances, too, that nothing will be done that might disrupt or transform the current system of direct payments. The Commission’s proposals in no way call into question the common nature of the CAP or the single market, he made clear. There will be no repatriation, he repeated.
Franco-German position being prepared. The commissioner also indicated that his communication on the future of food and farming contained nothing on the common organisation of the market (single CMO) as what is in place was working very well and the agricultural chapter of the omnibus regulation, which has been effective since the start of the year, would further improve it.
At the round table discussion, most delegations backed the goals set for the next CAP, though with slight differences. Some countries, like France, Italy and Greece, laid the emphasis on jobs while others (Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and more) highlighted the competitiveness of the sector. Similarly, the additional stress on subsidiarity has been generally welcomed even though the member states would like more detail on how it is to be implemented.
Spain and Romania were the most critical, fearing the repatriation of the CAP. France and Germany, which both remained very general in their interventions, are currently preparing a joint position, to be presented shortly.
The next Agriculture Council, in Brussels on 29 February, will discuss direct payments, greening measures and rural development.
The Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the EU plans to adopt a common political approach on the new CAP at the Council meeting in Brussels on 19 March. (Original version in French)