The European Commission’s commitment to CAP simplification measures will be welcomed by Irish farmers, but the devil is in the detail, MEP Maria Walsh has said.
The European Commission unveiled its 2025 Work Programme in Strasbourg today, and includes 51 new initiatives and lists 37 laws and programs that are up for review over the coming year. Key themes that emerged from the Programme include innovation, competitiveness, security and democracy.
MEP Maria Walsh said:
“The 2025 Work Programme is essentially the EU’s ‘to-do’ list for the coming year. It gives us an idea of what initiatives will be introduced, reviewed or removed – from agriculture and enterprise to the environment and women’s rights.
“This year’s Programme has a particular focus on competitiveness and simplification, which I welcome given the current geopolitical and trade tensions that threaten the EU’s economy.
“Businesses across the EU will benefit from the Commission’s commitment to cutting unnecessary bureaucracy, including those working in our agriculture sector. One of the most arduous tasks facing our farmers are red tape processes under the CAP, a fact that has been recognised by the Commission with a new commitment to simplification measures which will ‘address sources of complexity and excessive administrative burden for national administrations and farmers.’
“Ultimately though, the success of the 2025 Work Programme boils down to the detail, with many questions still remaining. What will the CAP simplification measures look like in practice? How will they make the lives of Irish farmers easier? Will they require a further changing of the goalposts?
“Similarly, I also welcome the Commission’s commitment to introduce a Roadmap for Women’s Rights. But again I ask, what practical difference will this make in the lives of women across Europe? Will it make women feel safer as they walk home at night, and ensure they receive the same pay as their male counterparts?
“I will be engaging and speaking with the relevant Commissioners over the coming weeks to ensure Irish people tangibly feel the benefits of the Work Programme in action.”
