Most Member States support the Conclusions of the Czech Presidency on direct payments

The Czech Presidency rounded off its negotiation efforts in one of the key priority areas and submitted ambitious Conclusions on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, particularly the system of direct payments after 2013, that are supported by most Member States. The Presidency Conclusions send a clear signal regarding the necessity of a revision of the existing system, but without in any way prejudging its future shape or the future Financial Perspectives.

The Czech Presidency successfully honoured its priority topic and commitment to initiate and lead an open, prejudice-free debate with the aim to define a group of themes that need to be taken into consideration during the shaping of the future Common Agricultural Policy. The Ministers appreciated the extent to which the issue had been addressed by the Czech Presidency, particularly at the informal meeting in Brno. The Member States agreed that the existing system of direct payments does not ensure fair and transparent distribution of the direct payments. They also agreed that all countries are interested in a strong Common Agricultural Policy.

“The Conclusions underscore the need to continue a thorough discussion of the function and the role to be played by the system of direct payments, whatever the future shape of the system,” explains Minister Šebesta. “We intend to improve the system of direct payments so that it can react to changes and challenges in agriculture after 2013.”According to Minister Šebesta, the emphasis on the need to continue the discussions and analyse the system of direct payments thoroughly, which is anchored in the Conclusions, is crucial.
“The compromise text proposed by the Presidency was supported by 21 Member States, which is a significant signal,” First Deputy Minister of Agriculture Ivo Hlaváč assessed the situation. “The past discussions clearly show that the future direct payments need to be fair, efficient and easy to implement and defend before the public.”

At the Monday meeting the Member States also enhanced the crucial commitment that had arisen from the Health Check, i.e. the necessary levelling of direct payments to farmers across the EU.

“However, some delegations were not prepared to support the constructive dialogue led by the Presidency nor the otherwise very broad compromise of the Council. Nevertheless, these delegations have long called for an open discussion free from prejudice,” emphasised Minister Šebesta. According to the Minister, it is unfortunate that the farmers do not receive a clear and unanimous signal regarding their future.