Increased European Parliament involvement in CAP Reform

Following this week’s meeting in Brussels between MEPs and Member State Parliament representatives on the on-going negotiation of the Common Agricultural Policy, Andrew Doyle Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food & the Marine has spoken about the additional input from the European Parliament relating to legislative issues of national and European importance.
Speaking after the meeting Deputy Doyle outlined how the process has changed following enactment of the Lisbon Treaty stating that “where previously the Commission and the Council of Ministers would decide on such matters, the European Parliament now has the sign off authority in effect creating a co-decision making system.”
“The Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture had submitted a report paper with its recommendations on CAP reform to the EU several weeks ago*. Under the new process of co-decision, this report has now been submitted to the EU Agriculture Commissioner.
“Though there exists a diverse range of views from Member States regarding CAP reform, this week’s meeting did provide a useful and an important opportunity to tease out more of the issues that will prove decisive as we enter into the last 12 months of negotiations.
“The rapporteurs report gave a clear indication as to the thinking of the various interested parties within the Parliament. The main issues which are emerging are; Greening, Flexibility, Definition of Active Farming & Simplification.
“There will certainly be more to discuss around these four issues in particular over the coming months. The next step in this process of reform is crucial. During the meeting, I stated the need for an outline and timeline on the next step in the CAP reform process.
“In exercising its co-legislative power over the CAP acquired under the Lisbon Treaty, I believe the new process will increase the long term effectiveness of matters of policy in the EU. The CAP renegotiation is to be finalised in July 2013.”