The majority of members of the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee criticised Vice-President Frans Timmermans on Monday 22 May for turning a deaf ear to calls from EU farmers for time and realistic measures in relation to the environmental transition.
The European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, linked all the proposals on the table and future proposals from the European Green Deal during an exchange in the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee.
To MEPs in favour of new genomic techniques (NGTs), he pointed out: “We understand why you love NGTs, but there’s no point in tabling a proposal just for the sake of it. Recent history proves you don’t get public acceptance for it unless you show real added value to the environment”.
He added that “empty promises” that bio-innovation will allow us to use fewer pesticides have been made in the past, “it’s not enough”.
For Mr Timmermans, the adoption of the controversial proposal on reducing pesticide use “will prove that we are really serious about it and will pave the way for NGTs”. “If you’re really serious about wanting to reduce the use of pesticides, consider reaching out to your fellow MEPs across the aisle. The acceptance of NGTs might make this possible”, said Mr Timmermans.
The EPP sticks to its position. “The only solution we see is to withdraw the proposals on pesticides and nature restoration”, insisted Daniel Buda (EPP, Romanian). The EPP has taken a position in favour of farmers against these two important proposals of the European Green Deal in recent weeks.
Clara Aguilera (S&D, Spanish) spoke of the tight deadlines for adopting complex legislation before the end of the legislature. Ulrike Müller (Renew Europe, German) spoke about the anger of farmers and the need for adequate legislation.
Martin Häusling (Greens/EFA, German) defended Mr Timmermans’ position on pesticides and biodiversity, but on NGTs he called for “labelling” for these new GMOs, as well as “adequate patents”.
Luke Ming Flanagan (The Left, Irish) called for new EU funds to be mobilised for farmers who must “bear all the costs” of this ecological transition.
Reaching a compromise. The European Green Deal is a package of measures, Mr Timmermans said.
“We cannot reach climate neutrality or guarantee food production, farmers’ livelihoods, and a prosperous bioeconomy unless we restore our nature”, he warned.
Mr Timmermans was willing to discuss each line of the proposals on the table. “If there is a common position in the Council, will you reject it anyway?”, he asked MEPs who are against the proposals.
“If we have to find compromises together, I am at your disposal to discuss them”, promised the Executive Vice-President.
Furthermore, he assured that: - the nature act will not impose any new obligations on farmers (the targets apply at Member State level); - the Commission has consulted widely with EU farmers; - the proposals are not about taking land out of production, but about improving agricultural production; - biodiversity measures are aimed at the long term (2030, 2040 and 2050).
Who is really in a bubble? “Those who ignore the climate crisis or those who know it is difficult, but do not deny the hard facts”, Mr Timmermans asked in the face of criticism. “We don’t have the luxury of ignoring the [climate] crisis” that is unfolding before our eyes, he said. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)