MEPs back agriculture commission nominee following CAP defence pledges 

MEPs have accredited Luxembourg’s Christophe Hansen as the subsequent EU agriculture and meals Commissioner, three Parliament sources current at a closed-door assembly confirmed to Euronews, following an open listening to that noticed the nominee pledge to defend the CAP price range.

The casual vote by the MEPs on Hansen’s efficiency adopted a greater than three-hour listening to on Monday night (4 November), with group leaders from the Christian democrats, socialists, conservatives, greens and liberals all voting in favour of his affirmation.

The vote was not unanimous, nevertheless, as two members of the right-wing Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) group and one from The Left voted in opposition to, and one other from the right-wing Patriots for Europe abstained.

Parliament’s process is that, after the general public hearings, the chairs and coordinators of the varied committees answerable for the analysis assess and vote behind shut doorways on the candidate’s suitability for the position of Commissioner.  

Hansen cosied to the farming group all through his open listening to, saying it had taken to the streets earlier this yr as a result of it felt unheard. He vowed to be a “boots-on-the-ground” Commissioner, dedicated to visiting farms throughout completely different member states.

The Luxembourgish additionally recalled his upbringing on a household farm emphasising his first-hand expertise with each the rewards and challenges of farming. “I do know the nice occasions and the dangerous occasions of farming life,” he stated, reflecting on how his household struggled with paperwork that stored them from specializing in farm work.

The listening to’s most intense second got here when Hansen mentioned the psychological well being challenges dealing with farmers, drawing on the reminiscence of his late brother, who died following an accident final yr.

Voice cracking, Hansen linked the accident to the stress and pressures confronted by rural communities, together with monetary pressure and lengthy working hours.

Mercosur’ slippery slope

Whereas Hansen’s guarantees resonated with many MEPs, his help for the Mercosur settlement drew criticism within the European Parliament’s agriculture committee the place the listening to was held—and which vigorously opposes the commerce deal.

Hansen stated he would undertake a “balanced strategy” to the problem, acknowledging the settlement’s advantages but additionally its challenges.

He advocated for honest reciprocity in commerce, claiming that European farmers face disadvantages as a consequence of stricter EU manufacturing requirements in comparison with these in third nations.

Staunch defender of the CAP

Hansen gained approval along with his robust defence of the Frequent Agricultural Coverage (CAP) price range, particularly its revenue help for European farmers.

He pushed again in opposition to latest hypothesis of price range restructuring proposals suggesting merger of the CAP with different EU applications, arguing that the bloc’s farming subsidies programme required its personal devoted price range.

The Luxembourgish added that price range cuts for farmers could be disastrous, particularly in mild of latest challenges, equivalent to extreme climate occasions throughout Europe.

On this, he acknowledged that EU leaders and their ministers would play important roles in shaping the CAP’s future price range and scope.

“I do not need the crystal ball however we have to put strain on our nationwide governments if we would like a powerful CAP that’s not amputated from a number of components,” he stated.

He was tepid on proposals for an Agri-food Simply Transition Fund, a one-off funding help aimed toward serving to farmers undertake extra sustainable practices, arguing that present assets ought to be absolutely utilised earlier than creating new funds.

Hansen pressured the CAP’s significance not only for farmers however for all Europeans. Nonetheless, he supported the reform of the CAP to higher goal monetary assist, guaranteeing it goes to lively farmers and people most in want.

He was additionally open to obligatory capping of subsidies, guaranteeing that greater than 10% of assist reaches small farmers. “It’s unacceptable that billionaires obtain subsidies whereas these in want see minimal will increase,” he stated, urging extra equitable distribution.

Subsequent Steps

With the backing of MEPs, Hansen can now flip his focus to producing a coverage paper on the way forward for EU agriculture and meals coverage inside 100 days of taking workplace.

He described this as a “shared roadmap for future initiatives”, reflecting various views throughout the agri-food sector.