Split hits CAP reform on first day of talks

23 September 1997

Split hits CAP reform on first day of talks

FORMAL European negotiations on fundamental reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) began yesterday – with farm ministers sharply divided. Discussions focused on rural development.

The Germans, Dutch and Belgians criticised budgetary changes which they said would erode the sharp division between funds to support the market and those to provide help for underdeveloped regions.

Sweden, which supports CAP reform, said the existing system did not allow sufficient room for rural development. The UK also supports reform, which the European Commission sees as essential for the accession of new central European members and Cyprus.

The Commission argues that failure to reform would take up unacceptable amounts of money.

There will be a summit of European prime ministers in November.

• Financial Times 23/09/97 page 2
  
• The Guardian 23/09/97 page 10