The European Commission’s proposal for the CAP budget from 2021 to 2027 is to reduce it by 5%. There have been strong calls from various sources to at least maintain the existing budget in the next programming period.
“As you know, member states have the option to increase their contributions to the overall MS budget. This decision must be made by unanimity. I am sure that all of you have seen statements by some EU leaders that they do not wish to contribute more finance to the EU budget,” Hogan said in his speech.
“I encourage you to bring the full might of your considerable political influence to bear in addressing this key issue. We are on the same team in this regard.”
The European Parliament and the heads of state and government that form the Council of the EU will make the final decision on the EU budget.
“You must turn your focus to the co-legislators, in whose hands the budget now lies,” Hogan said.
Renationalisation
He also addressed the criticism from some parts that the CAP proposal could be seen as "renationalisation" of the decades-old policy.
“Let me explain precisely what safeguards we are proposing to ensure that we do not have 'renationalisation'.”
Hogan explained that the legislation will include common EU objectives, basic EU requirements applicable to the types of interventions, as well as several important common elements:
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