30/04/2026
Minister Heydon Engages with MEPs in Strasbourg Ahead of EU Presidency
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon TD, is in Strasbourg today for a series of high-level meetings with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). The visit comes just two months before Ireland is set to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The engagement is part of Ireland's strategic preparation for the Presidency, focusing on aligning legislative and policy priorities for the agri-food sector. Key topics on the agenda include the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), global food security, and environmental sustainability.
Speaking from Strasbourg, Minister Heydon emphasised the importance of inter-institutional cooperation: "I am pleased to be in Strasbourg to engage directly with Members of the European Parliament on the key issues facing European agriculture and food systems. These discussions are particularly important as Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union later this year.
"Strong cooperation between the Council and the European Parliament is essential to delivering effective and balanced EU legislation. Ireland is committed to working constructively with MEPs to support a sustainable, competitive and resilient agri-food sector that delivers for farmers, fishers, as well as rural and coastal communities."
In addition to broad policy goals, the Minister is discussing specific measures to bolster farmer incomes and support the long-term viability of rural communities. The talks also cover the EU-wide implementation of the "Vision for Agriculture and Food," aiming to ensure the sector remains competitive while meeting ambitious environmental targets.
The visit underscores Ireland's intent to act as a constructive lead in the Council, ensuring that upcoming EU legislation reflects the practical realities and challenges faced by the agricultural and fishing industries.
The engagement is part of Ireland's strategic preparation for the Presidency, focusing on aligning legislative and policy priorities for the agri-food sector. Key topics on the agenda include the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), global food security, and environmental sustainability.
"Strong cooperation between the Council and the European Parliament is essential to delivering effective and balanced EU legislation. Ireland is committed to working constructively with MEPs to support a sustainable, competitive and resilient agri-food sector that delivers for farmers, fishers, as well as rural and coastal communities."
In addition to broad policy goals, the Minister is discussing specific measures to bolster farmer incomes and support the long-term viability of rural communities. The talks also cover the EU-wide implementation of the "Vision for Agriculture and Food," aiming to ensure the sector remains competitive while meeting ambitious environmental targets.
The visit underscores Ireland's intent to act as a constructive lead in the Council, ensuring that upcoming EU legislation reflects the practical realities and challenges faced by the agricultural and fishing industries.
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Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:There will be scattered to frequent blustery showers feeding in from the northwest through the evening and overnight, these showers may be heavy at times. Minimum temperature 5 °C.