Call for CAP reform compromise
European farm ministers are meeting in Brussels to discuss the latest CAP reform developments. The two-day farm council meeting is taking place on 18-19 March.
Ministers are trying to reach agreement on a general approach on proposals for direct payments, rural development and other regulations.
Council president and Irish farm minister Simon Coveney, who is chairing the meeting, called on member states to take a clear and decisive step towards a new CAP framework.
Agreeing a comprehensive council position on CAP reform would bring the aim of an overall political agreement by the end of June one step nearer, he said.
Member states will discuss a set of revised texts of proposed regulations which Mr Coveney feels addresses their concerns and represents a balanced overall compromise.
Mr Coveney acknowledged that reaching an agreement was big challenge given the range and complexity of issues to be addressed in what was a short timescale.
But he expressed optimism that a plenary vote by the European parliament last week would provide impetus towards an agreed position by the farm council.
“I would urge my colleagues to keep the broader perspective in mind,” said Mr Coveney.
“If we want to conclude an inter-institutional agreement with the European parliament and the commission by the end of June, we need to agree a council general approach now.
“The parliament demonstrated this week that it is ready to play its part. The council must now do likewise.”