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Agriculture was a hot topic in the run-up to the European Parliament election, with parties making promises of better pay for farmers, a tougher stance on trade and less red tape on subsidies.
Notably, the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) crowned itself as the “farmers’ party,” and even European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen rekindled her interest in farming as her term came to an end.
But as the election glow fades and farmers’ protests become one big blur, the EU’s newfound enthusiasm for agriculture seems to be withering.
The clearest sign? There hardly seems to be any competition – let alone fierce rivalry – among member states for the agriculture portfolio at the European Commission. In fact, only one nominee has even expressed interest in the role.
The question of who – most likely a man – will replace Poland’s Janusz Wojciechowski as farming chief remains open.
So far, most EU member states are scrambling over the economy and finance portfolios, while agriculture has slipped to the bottom of the priority list.
Who are the leading contenders?
Ireland, Portugal and Austria – initially rumoured to be eyeing the job – nominated candidates with little to no farming background, leaving the options scarce.
The chosen candidate is likely to be an EPP member, which would narrow the field to Luxembourg’s Christophe Hansen and the Netherlands’ Wopke Hoekstra, although the latter is less likely.
Hoekstra’s experience as the climate commissioner could be useful for the agriculture role. Moreover, agriculture is also central to the Dutch government’s political agenda, especially with the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB) as a coalition partner.
However, The Hague is asking for a more senior Commission role, possibly in economy or finance.
On the other hand, Hansen – selected by Luxembourg’s Prime Minister Luc Frieden instead of socialist leader and incumbent Commissioner Nicholas Schmit – is so far the only candidate who has expressed a preference for agriculture.
“It is too early to speculate on the possible remit of this Commission, but I must admit that I would particularly like agriculture,” Hansen told national media this week.
Some in the EU’s agricultural circles find this odd given Luxembourg’s modest farming sector. However, Hansen has dealt with some agri-related issues as a Member of the European Parliament’s international trade and environment committees, including the EU anti-deforestation regulation and the national strategic plans of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
He also advised MEP Astrid Lulling from 2007 until 2014 on agriculture, environment and economic affairs.
If he takes the role, his approach to agricultural policy – particularly ahead of negotiations for the post-2027 CAP – seems to align with the current trend of less centralization, allowing more flexibility for member states.
“Not all countries have the same constraints; we need to propose a more flexible policy,” Hansen emphasized, stressing that the new agricultural policy should accommodate the diverse needs of countries like Luxembourg and Southern European member states.
By Sofia Sanchez Manzanaro | Euractiv
Agrifood Journalist
Location: Brussels
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Catalan
Expertise: Agrifood
Location Expertise: Lyon, Brussels
