Ireland prioritises negotiations on the future CAP during its EU Presidency

The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union has made the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) one of its key priorities for the second half of 2026. Speaking before the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), Ireland's Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, said the Presidency would seek to make "as much progress as possible" on negotiations for the next CAP.

According to the minister, the future CAP should continue to provide a common framework for European farmers benefiting from the Single Market, while allowing Member States to reflect regional realities and the specific needs of their agricultural sectors.

During the exchange of views, Members of the European Parliament expressed concern that granting excessive flexibility to Member States could lead to greater fragmentation in the implementation of the CAP, creating different conditions for farmers across the European Union.

MEPs also agreed with the Irish Presidency on the need to simplify rules for farmers and to strengthen support for young people entering the agricultural sector. These priorities are expected to guide discussions as the Council works to advance negotiations on the future CAP during Ireland's six-month Presidency.