Source: Government of Ireland
“Today’s event marks an important milestone in our preparations for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which begins in just two weeks’ time. This is a significant responsibility, but it is also a significant opportunity to lead the European agenda at a pivotal time.
“At Agrifish Council, Ireland’s work will be guided by a clear objective: to support farming and fishing families, protect incomes, strengthen competitiveness, sustain rural and coastal communities, and strike the right balance between the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainability. Our two central priorities will be to progress discussions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027, and to successfully conclude the annual fishing opportunities negotiations.
“The CAP reforms must preserve the policy’s ability to contribute to food security, secure farm incomes, and support rural resilience with predictability and fairness. Farmers need certainty, accessible schemes, proportionate rules, flexibility that reflects regional realities and sectoral differences, and a framework that allows them to plan and invest. On fisheries, the successful conclusion of the annual fishing opportunity negotiations will be at the heart of our work.”