Debate contributions by Barry COWEN

Madam President, chair, colleagues, when the Brexit process was at its most fraught, the greatest concern for us in Ireland, of course, was always peace on the island of Ireland. The fear of more lives potentially being lost or a hard border re-emerging on our island was real. The Windsor Framework restored stability and protected the Good Friday Agreement. That matters above everything else. And the EU Member States' support is something that is recognised and greatly appreciated at home, as is the fact that today the Trade and Cooperation Agreement is working and EU-UK relations are back on a steady footing. But stability alone is only a starting point. Now we need delivery. The summit's priorities were clear: deeper energy cooperation to strengthen security and lower costs, practical SPS cooperation to cut red tape for business, a youth mobility scheme that re-opens opportunities for young people, and structured dialogue on security and defence in an increasingly unstable world. As we are all too well aware, the war in Ukraine showed our vulnerabilities on energy and security, but it also showed how effective the EU and UK can be when we act together. We know we cannot repeat past overreliance, especially now on Russian gas. That is why cooperation on offshore renewables, grid interconnection and long-term planning is essential. A European supergrid would be decisive tool for strengthening competitiveness and easing input costs that are crippling industry today. So, with the US looking inward and China growing more assertive, a stable and more predictable EU-UK relationship and partnership is now a strategic necessity. After extensive negotiations and a political deal being arrived at, now comes the real test: delivery and implementation. Those civil servants and officials that have been tasked with that technical work in both the EU and UK systems must now step up to the plate and get it done. We have waited long enough.

Madam President, in these uncertain times for global trade and international relations, building stronger partnerships matters more than ever. As the United States turns inwards, Europe must strengthen its position in regions such as Latin America in order to promote our values of democracy and free trade, and to ensure we don't fall behind other interested parties such as China. My own country of Ireland already enjoys a EUR 1 billion trade surplus with the Mercosur nations of Latin America, showing the strong potential for many European sectors, including pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical devices, dairy and spirits. But these partnerships are not purely about profit; Latin America has still has a distance to travel before matching Europe's environmental, labour and food safety standards. Legitimate concerns remain over the proposed safeguards for agreements like the Mercosur one, especially given the projected increase of 99 000 tonnes of beef into the European market. The Commission must show that standards will not be sacrificed for short-term gain, and that agri-food producers will not be undermined for the benefit of other sectors. I have said before that I will not reject any deal out of hand, but I will not support one that undermines our own citizens either. Europe's partnership with Latin America can have a bright future, but only if it is built on shared values, high standards and mutual respect.

Mr President, after two decades of on‑and‑off negotiations, the EU‑India trade talks are finally nearing conclusion. The 14th round of negotiations begins this week, and personally I am honoured myself to have accepted an invitation to join the European Parliament's International Trade Committee delegation to India later this month, as we enter a decisive phase. This deal carries vast economic promise. India is now the world's fastest‑growing large economy and home to 1.5 billion people – a market of enormous potential for European and indeed Irish exporters. My own country's whiskey exports to India, for example, have grown tenfold in five years, while our dairy, pharma, MedTech and nutrition sectors are ready to do similar once barriers are lifted. But this partnership is about more than trade alone. It's about Europe's place in a rapidly changing world. As the United States turns inwards and Russia and China grow more assertive, deepening ties with India and others is essential to strengthen global stability and ensure Europe remains an active shaper rather than a passive observer of the century ahead. Yet, like many other trade agreements, it must be fair. We must defend high European standards, including protecting our farmers and ensuring sustainability commitments are real. An ambitious, forward‑looking deal can work for both sides, strengthening Europe's resilience while opening new doors for the likes of Irish business.

Mr President, Commissioner, colleagues, tomorrow we are voting on two hugely important CAP files. The first is a simplification package, which rightly addresses farmers' concerns and moves us away from a one-size-fits-all conditionality policy and recognises that different countries and regions have different needs. I welcome this, and I welcome the Commission's willingness too to build flexibility into the next CAP in this area also. But that same logic has not been applied in the second file we vote on, as alluded to by my colleague and MEP, Flanagan: the common markets organisation. Instead of maintaining the market-orientated approach, the Commission has proposed rigid contractual measures that risk undermining what are successful cooperative models, especially and particularly those in my own country of Ireland. This, I believe, is a clear inconsistency and we must have flexibility in this regard. And it is because of that, I would be proposing amendments catering for Member State opt-outs, where majority farm organisations request them, and clear derogations for cooperatives, so that systems that are already working well are allowed to keep succeeding. As I said, the EU should be about building on successful models, not necessarily undermining them.

Mr President, colleagues, China's recent decision to impose tariffs on European pork is unjustified and it demands a response that is firm, fair and strategic. China's market is vital for Europe's pig sector, as has been said, especially for bi-products, where no other market offers the same return. Just last year, pork exports to China were worth over EUR 2.4 billion. In Ireland's case, that is 61 000 tonnes of pigmeat worth nearly EUR 100 million. Losing that income would be a serious blow to farm families and rural communities. The Commission has pledged to defend foreign producers and now it must follow through on that pledge. Farmers cannot be collateral damage in bigger trade disputes driven by other sectors. Now is the time to be firm without being reckless. A trade war with China benefits no one, and protecting farmers must remain central to the EU's strategy going forward.

Madam President, colleagues, when I sought election to the European Parliament last year, it was to make a real practical difference for communities across Ireland through productive politics, not populist rhetoric or point‑scoring, and being appointed to the AGRI Committee and as Renew Europe's lead negotiator on Parliament's CAP report has since provided me with a great opportunity to reflect the views and priorities of Irish farmers in shaping the next CAP. It was not a task I took lightly. I do appreciate that you enter negotiations with one position and cannot expect to come out with the same one. But I am satisfied that large swathes of the vision that I outlined on behalf of the Irish farming community are now part of the final text of our report. We have secured clear demands: an increased budget and retention of CAP's stand‑alone structure; recognition that food security is a fundamental part of Europe's strategic security; less red tape and better rewards for environmental work; and meaningful support for young farmers to promote generation renewal and much more. This week's overwhelming vote sends a strong message to you, Commissioner, and to the Commission ahead of the upcoming multiannual financial framework CAP proposals. We won't stand for a reduced budget or a dismantled CAP, and it would be wise for you to listen and treat our report as a serious issue...

Mr President, since the election of President Trump, I've constantly pointed out that the economic bond between Europe and the US is one of the strongest globally and of great mutual benefit – a relationship that tariffs, of course, will only damage. That is why I've repeatedly called for a strategic, measured and politically precise response to President Trump. I am satisfied that the Commission has so far reflected this, consulting Member States from drafting its counter tariff list and rightly deferring action following the 90-day delay to give diplomacy a chance. But should this pause end without substantive US engagement, we must be ready to respond firmly, proportionately, and as one. At the same time, this uncertainty in EU-US trade has brought the urgent need to broaden our trade partnerships into sharper focus, but not at the expense of certain countries or sectors. For Ireland, where agriculture remains a vital pillar of our economy, that means ensuring the fair treatment of our farmers in any future agreement. Proposed deals, including that with the Mercosur bloc, must reflect EU values of fairness and reciprocity. As it stands, that deal unfortunately does not meet that standard. In the days and weeks ahead, I urge the Commission to remember that Europe's strength lies not in noise or brashness, but in unity, resolve, and staying power. We learned that through the COVID-19 pandemic, through Brexit and the financial crash, and I have no doubt that, once again, we will stay the course.

Madam President, colleagues, as we look ahead to the upcoming summit, I want to commend the Commission for its ongoing efforts to strengthen our relationship with the UK. Despite the challenges posed by Brexit, the UK remains a valued and like‑minded partner of the EU in the face of global challenges. In light of the recent tariff decisions by the US, it is more important than ever to deepen our engagement with our British neighbours. I urge the Commission to be ambitious in our dialogue with the UK, to work to align our trade regulations and enhance cooperation on energy, particularly on offshore wind and grid infrastructure, and, of course, to preserve the Common Travel Area. Above all, our united and unwavering support for Ukraine must remain a central priority. With that said, any lasting partnership must begin with the full implementation of existing agreements, including the Windsor Framework. The unique status of Northern Ireland must be protected in all future negotiations, and the peace and stability secured by the Good Friday Agreement must never, ever be taken for granted. Only through trust, cooperation and mutual respect can we secure a prosperous future for both EU and UK citizens alike.

Madam President, in two days' time, the Trump administration will impose tariffs that threaten the future of the European economy, not just for months, but possibly for years to come. Europe must respond firmly, but strategically. Our counter-tariffs, when they arrive in mid-April, must be measured and considered. It's inevitable during this consultation period that individual Member States, their governments and sector representatives will make the case for their right to be shielded from such tariffs. I personally, for example, have made representations to the Commission on behalf of several Irish industries. But when the time comes, it's vital that we unite. In times of crisis, the strength of the EU has always been its unity. We are all now well aware that the EU exports EUR 157 billion more in goods to the US, while the US has a EUR 109 billion surplus in services. It's a mutually beneficial relationship, one that tariffs will only damage. As such, if and when the time comes, we must engage with the Trump administration transactionally, exploring American LNG purchases, for example, and security commitments, as part of a solution to avoid all-out trade war. All in all, let's make sure the EU's response is measured and politically precise. The goal must be to bring the US back to the table because, as we all know, a trade war serves neither them nor us.

Thank you, MEP Flanagan. And you're quite correct, of course. I'm well aware of the impact, and the fears and concerns that exist in many farmers, many landowners, whose soil is designated as peaty, and the worries that they would have for the implications of what's contained. However, I'm convinced that the Commission, in its efforts to have this addressed, primarily is committed to nature restoration laws and rewetting programmes, which Ireland and the region has committed strongly to. It has been funded by this Commission to the tune of EUR 100 million – to Bord na Móna, for example, a state body that has responsibility in this regard, that will meet much of the demands that are contained within that. I think farmers will continue to be in a position to carry out farm practices in relation to ploughing, in relation to reseeding, in relation to maintenance of drains ...

Mr President, Commissioner Hansen, thank you for your presentation earlier. As I mentioned when we met yesterday morning, I welcome much of what is contained in the vision, particularly the Commission's intention to shift the future CAP from a system of conditions to that of incentives. That, of course, is a step in the right direction. However, the vision falls short in addressing one critical issue: the need for a strong CAP in the next multiannual financial framework. This vision is worryingly vague, and there are persistent rumours that the CAP budget could be merged into a broader funding pot. It says nothing concrete specifically about the budgetary needs of the next CAP, failing to acknowledge the need for new funds to pay for the transition towards sustainable food systems and productions. So, Commissioner Hansen, I'd like to ask you at this stage, have you identified the level of funding needed to sustain the CAP in the next MFF? And crucially, what steps are you taking within the College to secure this funding?

Madam President, Commissioner, colleagues, we face a new global reality today, with countries retreating from trade and turning to protectionism. Amidst this shift, it's natural for the EU to seek new trading partners. In doing so, however, we must continue to uphold our principles by ensuring a level playing field. As it stands, the Mercosur deal lacks key guarantees and imposes demands on Europe's farmers not matched by Mercosur nations. On the whole, for example, Ireland's agricultural industry has three strategic goals, all with EU competences: extending the nitrates derogation, an increased CAP budget and stopping a Mercosur deal that farmers believe threatens beef exports. If the Commission were to provide meaningful assurances around the Mercosur deal and firm commitments on the derogations in the next CAP, I believe farmers' views could shift. Our country, for example, presently enjoys an EUR 800 million trade surplus with Mercosur nations. This deal has the potential to bring about further opportunities, but good politics is ultimately about compromise. Good politics! And the question now is whether the Commission will prove its political astuteness by strengthening the deal and providing strategic assurances on the CAP and the derogation – or not!

Madam President, the economic ties between Europe and the US are amongst the strongest there is globally, with trade flows exceeding 1.5 trillion annually. The EU exported 156 billion more in goods to the US, while the US holds a 104 billion surplus in services. So it is a partnership of mutual benefit, one that tariffs would only damage. Ireland's deep historic and economic ties to the US are well known. Equally known, however, is the fact that our success is also built on EU membership and the solidarity we received during key periods and challenges like Brexit and the COVID‑19 pandemic. As such, it's fair to say that the potential for tariffs to turn allies into adversaries leaves few with more to lose than Ireland. But as the geopolitical challenges emerge, we in Ireland and the delegation here from Ireland will continue to push the EU to strengthen its own competitiveness, tackle energy costs, address infrastructure deficits and secure our place in the global economy. At the same time, Ireland knows that the EU must stand united. Protectionism weakens all of us. The EU should engage early, defend open trade and ensure that cooperation, not division, shapes our future.

Yes, I accept, of course, as many deputies do here, that the issue of red tape is one that has to be tackled in the context of the upcoming common agricultural policy. I have no doubt that it, in its own right, makes a contribution towards this issue in relation to the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and their families. It's incumbent on us to engage in that process that is the common agricultural policy, to ensure that you engage with your stakeholders, with representatives and with your own communities, in order to ensure that you are well informed in your representations to the Commissioner, to the Parliament, to the Council; in order to ensure that a common agricultural policy is not just specifically about funding farmers and supplementing their income, but is about helping them in many other ways, including in relation to the issue of red tape, which was very dominant during the course of the election campaign in my own country and, I am sure, in yours. We have a duty and a responsibility to improve that and to improve it in a way in which, in turn, restricts the amount of capability that there is amongst this red tape to impact on people's and farmers' mental health.

Mr President, Commissioner and colleagues, rural communities are all too familiar with the mental health challenges that often arise in farming. The challenges of farming life – things like market volatility, late payments, social isolation and so on – can all take their toll. According to a survey of Irish farmers, over half did not know how to contact their local mental health clinic. Nearly a quarter did not know how to get the number of a suicide prevention hotline. And many more don't feel comfortable reaching out for help due to the stigma around the subject. So it's clear to me that we need a comprehensive mental health strategy for farmers. A strategy that paves the way for multi-actor community-led support structures. A strategy that allows for both prevention and intervention at a local level. That said, the problem is much broader than the few factors I have mentioned. Economic uncertainty, of course, is a source of constant stress for farmers. It is incumbent on us to strengthen our farmers' positions within the food value chain, and ensure that they get a fair price for their produce. Healthy farmers are the first step to a strong, resilient food system. So let's stand with those farmers, not just in words, but in action. I would hope to see a comprehensive response from the Commissioner in due time in relation to this subject.

Mr President, I welcome the appointment, for the first time, of a Commissioner for sustainable tourism. It's a vital industry in my constituency and across Europe. And like the rest of society, the sector knows it must play its part in tackling climate change. Ireland has launched a sustainable tourism policy recently, with ambitious targets to 2030 – it's seeking to reduce emissions by 60 % – and the balance between environmental responsibility and economic growth is already being demonstrated along the River Shannon, where boat cruisers have cut carbon footprint by 92 %, switching from diesel to hydrotreated vegetable oil. In addition, a number of Midlands counties have received Just Transition Funds for the development of sustainable tourism. It should be noted that it's at times like these, supporting rural communities' transition towards more sustainable economic models, that national governments can be asked to provide or to match funding. And unfortunately, too many can be too quick to call for the abolition of important tax measures at home that actually allow Member States to collaborate with the EU and push economic and environmental sustainability in areas like tourism. One thing is clear, however, it's imperative that we support small and medium tourism businesses to navigate their path towards sustainability. I know with the right policies and investments we can build...

Mr President, colleagues, the expansion and growth of cities are fundamental to regional development across Europe. However, too often restrictive and protracted planning procedures in many Member States stand in the way of infrastructure progress. These bottlenecks prevent us from meeting the needs of our citizens and regions. In my own constituency, the city of Galway faces exactly that challenge. The development of a new ring road, vital for easing decades of road congestion and promoting the city's growth, has been hamstrung by ridiculous planning delays. Similarly, the development of Galway's port holds enormous potential, especially for offshore wind energy along the West coast. This investment could play a significant role in Europe's energy transition, reducing our dependency on Russian gas. At a time when energy prices in Europe are five times higher than that of the US, such investments are not just important, they are essential for our future. To address these challenges, we need to identify a threshold which caters for a streamlined process of infrastructure planning permissions, notwithstanding or compromising best practices. Then we will be responding to Draghi's cry in his recent report to president von der Leyen, highlighting but addressing, and maybe overturning, Europe's present diminishing competitiveness and growth trajectory.

Mr President, Members, I want to first welcome the appointment of the new commissioner position for housing alongside the energy portfolio, which I believe has been long overdue. Housing, as we all know, remains one of the most critical challenges facing governments across Europe. Given its importance, I believe a dedicated committee should be established by Parliament to address this issue in a focused and comprehensive manner. I would ask that a Europe-wide plan be formulated by this committee, which would then be presented to the Commission and the Council for evaluation. And while I cannot speak for the situation in every Member State, I do know that in Ireland we have been confronting a housing crisis for several years now. Have we solved it? Most definitely not. But we must acknowledge that significant progress has been made. We have increased housing output, improved access for first time buyers, removed unnecessary regulatory barriers and fast-tracked some – but not all – planning delays and mobilised state lands for affordable and social housing. These are important steps forward. However, to sustain and build on this momentum, it is essential that we review State aid rules as determined by the EU to ensure that they do not hinder Member States in addressing housing emergencies when they arise. Our shared goal of delivering decent, affordable housing for all citizens requires continued flexibility and support at almost every level, including this one.

Madam President, it highlights a critical issue. If subsidies diminish, so too do sales. This underscores the affordability challenge many households face in transitioning to sustainable heating technologies like heat pumps. For some families, the financial burden of moving from outdated kerosene boilers to heat pumps is too great. However, these households can still contribute to our green goals by switching from such fuels to hydrotreated vegetable oil, which must be recognised, for example, as a sustainable heating fuel. It is recognised as a sustainable transport fuel in several European countries and a sustainable heating fuel in the likes of the UK and France. In Ireland, even though we have a Green environment minister, he won't recognise HVO as a sustainable fuel – figure that one out. It can and should be recognised as a sustainable fuel for households across the EU. I urge this Commission to champion HVO as an affordable, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels. Promoting its adoption can enable households reliant on kerosene oil to transition with minimal financial strain, while reducing carbon emissions by up to 90 % over a 10‑year period. By advancing this solution, we can strengthen our commitment to a greener future while supporting families in their journey towards affordable decarbonisation.

Mr President, extreme weather events are an ongoing threat to local communities and agriculture. The responsibility of overarching EU policy is, of course, to transition those sectors that continue to contribute to climate change. Progress has been made, but it is stalling and at risk of regressing without change. Agriculture itself is at a crossroads and faces two major roadblocks: high energy costs and second, the cost foregone metric related to existing eco and environmental schemes is failing. The two resolutions I would want this new Commission to champion: are first, a commitment to invest in pan-European sustainable power-generation projects. For example, the massive potential that exists off the west coast of Ireland can not only aid that country, but can aid Europe in lessening its dependency on Russian gas. The second issue is to create a new funding stream that is separate and distinct from CAP, which would reward farms rather than just a cost forgone metric, as I said, but champion enviro- and eco-schemes. And that would allow CAP, of course, to return to its original remit of supplementing farm income and supporting sustainable food systems to produce, that would align our environmental ambition with consumer sentiment and thus, of course, deliver a dividend for farmers, for society and climate change.