Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed has said that European Commissioner for Budget Günther Oettinger’s paper on future CAP funding is “simply a reflection paper on the future shape of the EU budget”.

Minister Creed said the paper is intended to stimulate debate about the future of the EU following the UK’s exit.

“CAP is a policy which has adapted over time to the needs of citizens and contributes to development in rural areas, employment creation, environmental sustainability and the provision of safe food that meets the high standards that EU consumers have come to expect,” Creed said.

“Ireland continues to regard the maintenance of a strong, effective and well-financed CAP that contributes to public good as a priority into the future,” said the minister.

Commissioner Oettinger outlined five scenarios on the future budget, four of which would see cuts to agriculture and CAP.

In the fifth option, he suggested higher contributions by member states to the EU budget, which would leave more money to allocate across its departments, including CAP.

Commissioner Oettinger’s paper highlights the €10bn gap created by the departure of the UK, plus increased ambitions on defence and migration, and suggests under existing funding there would be a €20bn gap in finances.

On Wednesday, Mairead McGuinness MEP, vice-president of the European Parliament, warned that new EU policy priorities cannot be funded by taking money from existing policies.

“Rural areas cannot be asked to pay for new priorities. These new priorities will need fresh money,” said McGuinness.

Read more

Less money for agriculture in new EU budget paper

Fears over next CAP budget for Irish farmers - ICSA

Editorial: CAP focus turns to Commissioner Hogan