The European Parliament's rapporteur on transitional measures for the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Elsi Katainen (Renew Europe, Finland), says in her draft report, to be presented on 17 February, that it would be preferable to provide for a two-year transitional period between the current and the next CAP, i.e. until the end of 2022.
Although she supports a one-year transition “in principle”, Elsi Katainen points out that due to delays in the negotiations on CAP reform and the EU's next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), a short transition period “may not be sufficient” (see EUROPE 12413/12). The Commission had proposed a transitional period of one year.
The MEP proposes a mechanism that would allow the transitional period to be extended for a further year, if necessary. With the aim of adopting this regulation as soon as possible - ideally before the summer - no new measures should be introduced under this Regulation, the rapporteur believes. Elsi Katainen opposes any reduction in funding for agriculture during this transitional period, “because the income of European farmers is already lower than the average for other sectors”.
The MEP suggests introducing additional flexibilities for support for certain rural development measures (second pillar of the CAP). She also proposes giving Member States the possibility of increasing national co-financing in the second pillar and wants a higher percentage of funds for technical assistance during the transition period.
The draft report is due to be presented to the European Parliament Agriculture Committee on 17 or 18 February. It will then be voted on in committee and the European Parliament plenary vote could take place at the end of April.
At that time, negotiations between the European Parliament and the EU Council (which should finalise its position in March) can begin in order to reach a compromise with a view to final adoption of the Regulation before the summer. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)