Convening to exchange and coordinate ahead of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council next week, progressive ministers for agriculture took stock of progress made on the CAP negotiations.
Luxembourg Minister of Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development, and Minister of Social Security, Romain Schneider said
“Through the European Green Deal and the Social Pillar, the EU has clear commitments and ambitions when it comes to a fairer and more sustainable future. Every policy area has a role to play in delivering this, including agricultural policy.“The objective of achieving greater sustainability has been clear for socialists and democrats for some time. The Green Deal provides the basis for these strong ambitions. We have to protect our planet, reverse environmental degradation, fight climate change and create more resilience. These priorities must be part of a balanced Common Agriculture Policy.“But for us socialists and social democrats it is clear: sustainability also means social sustainability. The agri-food sector is also one of the economic sectors in which exploitation of workers is extremely high. As European socialists and democrats, we cannot allow for such violations to take place. Social fairness, respect of labour rights and equal working conditions for all workers are the cornerstone of every society. We must ensure the CAP is socially fair, taking into account the different national laws which safeguard workers’ rights.”
The PES strongly supports efforts to make Europe more sustainable. We welcomed the launch of the European Green Deal by progressive European Commission Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans and continue to push for ambitious action for the climate. Equally, the PES has led efforts to strengthen social rights in Europe. Earlier this month the PES welcomed the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan unveiled by Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit.
The meeting was attended by:
- Romain Schneider, Chair, Minister for Agriculture, Viticulture and Rural Development, Luxembourg
- Jiří Šír, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Czech Republic
- Pavel Sekáč, Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Czech Republic
- Rasmus Prehn, Minister for Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, Denmark
- Maria do Céu Antunes, Minister of Agriculture, Portugal
- Rui Martinho, Secretary of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Portugal
- Luis Planas Puchades, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Spain
- Pedro Marques, MEP, Vice-President of the S&D Group, PES Coordinator for the implementation of the Commission Work Programme, European Parliament
- Yonnec Polet, Deputy Secretary General, PES
