The European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee (AGRI) has opened with a predominantly right-leaning composition, with right-wing parties holding the majority of seats. During the committee’s constitutive meeting, right-wing groups attempted to claim key positions, including the chairmanship and vice presidencies. Conservative Veronika Vrecionová was elected as chair, becoming the first woman to lead AGRI. The EPP secured two out of three vice presidencies, with a vote postponed on the third due to concerns about gender balance.
There are concerns among lawmakers about the committee shifting further to the right, particularly with regards to agricultural policy and environmental issues. Some fear that the dominant right-wing presence may erode Green Deal policies. However, others, such as EPP’s Herbert Dorfmann, emphasize the importance of continued cooperation between pro-European forces, including liberals and socialists.
In light of the committee’s right-leaning composition, there are questions about whether small and medium farms will receive adequate support under the leadership of the new ECR chairwoman, Veronika Vrecionová. This raises concerns about the direction of agricultural policy and the potential impact on the industry.
As the AGRI committee prepares for a period of significant legislative activity, the balance of power and ideologies within the committee will play a crucial role in shaping the future of agricultural policy in the European Union.
Source
Photo credit www.euronews.com