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// Coveney meets EU counterparts in bid to build CAP reform alliances

Simon Coveney, the agriculture minister, is visiting several EU capitals to build alliances on forthcoming reforms of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

In preparation for Ireland’s presidency of the EU, Mr Coveney is visiting Berlin, Rome, and Budapest for a series of meetings with his German, Italian, and Hungarian counterparts. “The CAP and CFP reform negotiations will be at a crucial stage in the first six months of next year and it is vitally important that, as the incoming presidency, we reach a good understanding with other member states of the key issues for them. 

“To that end, I will be listening carefully to what my colleagues in these member states have to say,” Mr Coveney said. A spokesman said Mr Coveney will convey Ireland’s views on the main issues of importance to the country in the negotiations. “I am continuing to build up alliances with other member states in regard to the key issues of concern to Ireland”, he said. 

“These meetings on Monday and Tuesday will present an ideal opportunity to seek support for the Irish viewpoint.” The Department of Agriculture said the meetings are the latest in a series of bilateral meetings held since the beginning of the year with colleagues from Denmark, Cyprus, Lithuania, Spain, Portugal, France, and the UK. Mr Coveney has also had a number of recent meetings with the agriculture commissioner Dacian Ciolos and the consumer protection commissioner John Dalli. 

He has also intensified his engagement with the European Parliament, according to the department. He travelled to Strasbourg earlier this month for a series of engagements with members of its agricultural committee. “I am very conscious of the important role that the European Parliament has in the CAP and CFP decision–making process. I have developed a good rapport with leading players in the parliament and my visit to Strasbourg allowed me to strengthen those relationships.” Mr Coveney also met the Spanish agriculture minister and a senior Portuguese official in a joint effort to press for greater flexibility for member states to determine how CAP direct payments are distributed.

 By Agribusiness Reporter

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Tuesday, July 24, 2012