The work programme announced by Mr Juncker outlines priorities for the future to ensure a more united and stronger Europe.
Speaking in Brussels, Copa and Cogeca Secretary-General Pekka Pesonen said “We welcome Mr Juncker’s ambitious plan to boost growth and jobs in the EU, which is vital when we are starting an economic recovery. European farmers and their cooperatives play a vital role in boosting growth and jobs in rural areas and providing quality food supplies. It is important to make progress and conclude the so-called Omnibus regulation. We also welcome Mr Juncker’s announcement to release a proposal in 2018 to curb unfair trade practices (UTPs) in the food chain to boost farmers positioning in the food chain.
“To ensure a viable agriculture sector, we also need Member States to commit themselves to ensure adequate financing under the MFF and we wait for the Commission’s proposals in May 2018 to fund an ambitious and innovative CAP in the future. On trade, we welcome his acknowledgement that all trade deals must be balanced and that he will defend the strategic interests of the EU. Farmers interests must be defended in the upcoming trade talks with the EU Latin American Trade Bloc Mercosur, with New Zealand and Australia ”, he insisted.
“The new Industrial policy proposed today should help our industries stay or become the world leader in innovative, digitalization and decarbonisation. Concerning the circular economy, it is welcome news to include a monitoring framework to boost innovation, growth and jobs. It is also important to keep a balanced approach in the fight against climate change as set out in the Paris agreement to ensure it is tackled in a balanced way without jeopardizing food production. Finally, on comitology, we need clear, proportionate decision-making processes based on the best available science to promote growth, inniovation, jobs, investment as well as consumer confidence in the EU”.
