The position is likened to a "hot potato" in the EU executive body.

Agriculture was a hot topic during the run-up to the European Parliament (EP) elections, which took place in June this year.

At the time, political parties were competing to make promises of higher incomes for farmers, tougher stances on trade, and less red tape on subsidies for the industry.

Notably, the center-right European People's Party (EPP) has billed itself as the "party of farmers", and its senior member, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen, has repeatedly stressed her interest in agriculture.

But as the election heat cools and the previously massive farmer protests in a series of leading EU powers such as France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands… also fade, the EU's special interest in agriculture seems to be fading once again.

The clearest sign was shown in the election of personnel for the position of EU Agriculture Commissioner.

There appears to be little competition – let alone fierce rivalry – among member states for what is now the unclaimed “hot potato”.

Protesting farmers drive tractors in front of the EU headquarters in Brussels on February 26, 2024. Photo: Le Monde

In fact, across the entire 27-nation bloc, only one candidate has expressed interest in the role for the next five-year term (2024-2029). The position of EU Agriculture Commissioner is currently held by Janusz Wojciechowski of Poland.

The question of who is ready to head the EU's vast agriculture sector remains open.

So far, most EU member states are struggling to compete on economic and financial portfolios, while agriculture has fallen to the bottom of the priority list.

According to the Euractiv portal, top candidates could come from Ireland, Portugal and Austria – countries that are said to be interested in the position, but they have nominated candidates with little or no experience in the agricultural sector, leaving viable options scarce.

The chosen candidate is likely to be an EPP member. This would narrow the field down to Luxembourg's Christophe Hansen and the Netherlands' Wopke Hoekstra.

Mr Hoekstra's experience as Climate Commissioner could be useful in the role of Agriculture Commissioner.

Furthermore, agriculture also plays a central role in the political agenda of the Dutch government, especially when the Peasant-Citizens Movement Party (BBB) ​​is a partner in the ruling coalition.

However, Amsterdam is aiming for a stronger position in the EU's executive, possibly in the economic or financial sphere.

Meanwhile, Mr. Hansen – the candidate chosen by Luxembourg Prime Minister Luc Frieden – is so far the only candidate who has expressed a preference for agriculture.

“It is too early to speculate on the possible scope of this Commission, but I have to admit that I am particularly fond of agriculture,” Mr Hansen told national media this week.

Mr Hansen has addressed a number of agriculture-related issues as a Member of the European Parliament's international trade and environment committees, including the EU anti-deforestation regulation and national strategic plans of the reformed Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

If Luxembourg’s candidate takes on the role, his approach to agricultural policy – ​​especially ahead of negotiations for the post-2027 CAP – would appear to fit the current trend towards less centralisation, allowing member states more flexibility.

“Not all countries have the same constraints; we need to propose a more flexible policy,” said Hansen, stressing that the new agricultural policy must meet the diverse needs of countries such as Luxembourg and southern European member states.

Although not as influential as other economic categories, agriculture accounts for a significant portion of EU spending to oversee the bloc's agricultural subsidy program.

Recent farmers' protests that have influenced European election campaigns have highlighted the growing importance of the sector, especially among right-wing parties.

Traditionally, the role of EU Agriculture Commissioner has never fallen to one of the “EU Big Four” of France, Germany, Italy and Spain, which together account for more than half of the EU’s agricultural output.

Over the past three decades, the position has been filled by candidates from smaller countries such as Austria, Denmark, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Poland and Romania.

Minh Duc (According to Euractiv, Euronews)

Source: https://www.nguoiduatin.vn/sau-lan-song-bieu-tinh-nong-dan-vi-tri-nay-trong-eu-duoc-vi-nhu-cu-khoai-lang-nong-bong-tay-204240831202850727.htm