Taoiseach Must Hold Firm as EU Budget Talks Head for Third Day

 

Speaking from Brussels, IFA President Tim Cullinan has acknowledged the strong comments from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in defence the CAP Budget today in Brussels, as it appears talks will go into tomorrow (Sat).

“The Taoiseach is right to reject the current proposals as they would be very damaging for Irish farmers and the rural economy,” he said.

 

“We want him to maintain this stance and build alliances with Member States that are in favour of a CAP Budget that safeguards the incomes of farm families,” he said.

 

“There is a clear attempt being made by Charles Michel, the EU Council President, to wear down opposition to the current proposals,” he said.

 

“We are in Brussels again today to continue our fight against this very damaging proposal.  In fact, what is needed is an increased CAP budget to at least take account of inflation and any additional asks being placed on farmers.”

 

The CAP schemes brings €1.8bn in EU funds to rural Ireland each year, which is a significant injection into the rural economy.

 

“The viability and sustainability of thousands of family farms will be threatened if these proposals, or anything like them, are adopted by Member States,” he said.