Press release
Minister McConalogue calls for further clarity regarding EU-Mercosur and EU-Australia Trade Negotiations
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Published on
Last updated on
At the Agriculture and Fisheries Council, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, called on the European Commission to provide further analysis on EU-Mercosur and EU-Australia Trade Negotiations.
Speaking at the meeting in Brussels today, Minister McConalogue declared:
“I note that Mercosur’s response to the additional instrument has recently been received by the Commission and would welcome their analysis of this text. As you are aware, Ireland has consistently sought for the Commission to ensure that this instrument is comprehensive in its scope. It must include binding commitments on climate change, biodiversity, combating deforestation and labour rights.”
Minister McConalogue also noted the importance of ensuring that EU-Australia negotiations take into account the cumulative impact of other Free Trade Agreements:
“In re-engaging with Australia, the Commission must ensure that the EU offer on sensitive products, in particular for beef and sheepmeat, must be minimised to avoid negative impacts on EU markets.”
The Minister met with Commissioner Sinkevičius today too, commenting:
“I met again today with Commissioner Sinkevičius in Brussels. I am delighted that he has indicated his acceptance of an invitation from me and a forthcoming letter of invitation from the Taoiseach to visit Ireland and view the strong work being undertaken by farmers to improve water quality. This visit will provide an opportunity to show the Commissioner in person how our agricultural production system differs to other member states. It will also provide an opportunity to showcase the efforts of Irish farmers to improve water quality, and help Ireland to lay the groundwork for the renewal of the derogation in 2026. It is by all farmers from all sectors working together through our Nitrates Action Plan (NAP) that this will be achieved.”
The Council also considered the new proposal for a Directive on Soil Health. While welcoming the proposal for its potential to ensure the sustainable use and regeneration of soils, Minister McConalogue emphasised the need for comprehensive data to be used:
“Ensuring the sustainable use of soils and improving the monitoring and management of our soils, will help strengthen their resilience and regeneration and improve overall sustainability.” stated Minister McConalogue. However many of the assessments that need to be considered to define the Measures are not due until 5 years after publication. It is important that our actions are founded on robust data.”
Minister McConalogue set out Ireland’s priorities during the exchange of views ahead of the upcoming EU-UK, EU-Norway and Coastal States annual consultations on fishing opportunities for 2024:
“Most of the commercial fish stocks on which Ireland’s fleet relies are shared with the UK. Therefore, it is important that we reach a timely, balanced agreement which will support the sustainable management of our shared stocks and provide stability for EU fishers. On the EU-Norway negotiations, I reiterated Ireland’s longstanding position that those who benefit most from this agreement must pay for it.”
The Minister also underlined the need for action to prevent the unsustainable actions of other Coastal States, outside of the EU, diluting the EU’s Mackerel quota share.
Today’s Agriculture and Fisheries Council also discussed the Long Term Vision for the European Union’s rural areas, the United Nations Food Systems Summit that was held in Rome in July, the impact of natural disasters in Slovenia and Greece, the outbreak of African Swine Fever in Sweden and exchanged views on how to simplify and improve European Union regulations.