Europe (Washington Insider Magazine) – The European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee (AGRI) has begun its latest legislative term with a significant rightward shift. The committee is now dominated by right-wing groups, including the center-right European People’s Party (EPP), conservatives (ECR), far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE), and ultra-far-right Europe of Sovereign Nations (ESN), who together hold 25 of the 48 seats.
During the committee’s initial meeting, right-wing parties successfully claimed most key positions. Conservative Czech lawmaker Veronika Vrecionová was elected chair, making her the first woman to lead AGRI. The EPP secured two vice presidencies, although a vote on a third was postponed due to procedural concerns over gender balance raised by socialists.
Potential Policy Implications
According to Euronews, agricultural policy is expected to take a rightward turn during this term. Speculation suggests that the agricultural portfolio in the new EU executive may be assigned to an EPP member, aligning with the party’s pro-farmer campaign during the EU elections. This shift was already evident towards the end of the last mandate when a Commission proposal, strongly backed by the EPP, to reduce environmental ambitions in the EU’s farming subsidies program was approved.
Concerns and Reassurances
Some lawmakers express concern about the committee’s rightward shift. Irish MEP Luke ‘Ming’ Flanagan, agriculture coordinator for the Left, anticipates challenges in defending Green Deal policies. In contrast, Herbert Dorfmann, the EPP’s agriculture coordinator, reassures that cooperation with liberals and socialists will continue. Greens MEP Thomas Waitz questions whether new chairwoman Vrecionová will support small and medium farms as her predecessor did.
Agriculture will be a key area of focus for the pro-EU majority supporting von der Leyen’s re-appointment. The new EU executive is expected to present its vision for agriculture and food within the first 100 days, setting the stage for lively discussions in the AGRI committee.
