MEPs Approve Christophe Hansen as EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have officially endorsed Luxembourg’s Christophe Hansen as the new EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food. This decision comes after a thorough and comprehensive hearing, where Hansen committed to championing the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) budget. Sources present at the closed-door meeting confirmed the vote, which took place following a more than three-hour public hearing on November 4.
During the informal vote, leaders from various political groups including Christian Democrats, Socialists, Conservatives, Greens, and Liberals expressed their support for Hansen’s confirmation. However, the vote was not unanimous; two members from the far-right Europe of Nations and Freedom (ENF) group and one from The Left opposed his nomination, while another member from the right-wing Patriots for Europe chose to abstain.
According to Parliament’s procedural guidelines, the chairs and coordinators of the relevant committees evaluate the candidates’ performance following public hearings. Hansen made it clear in his testimony that he intended to engage directly with the farming community, stating that farmers had taken to the streets earlier this year due to feeling ignored by policymakers. He pledged to be a “boots-on-the-ground” Commissioner, emphasizing his commitment to visiting farms across various member states.
The Luxembourg native reflected on his upbringing on a family farm, sharing insights about the challenges and rewards of agricultural life. “I have experienced both the highs and lows of farming,” he remarked, recounting how his family struggled with bureaucratic red tape that hindered their ability to focus on their agricultural work.
One of the most poignant moments of the hearing occurred when Hansen addressed the pressing issue of mental health within the farming community. He spoke emotionally about his late brother, whose tragic accident last year highlighted the immense stress and pressures faced by rural communities. Hansen’s voice quivered as he connected the accident to the broader challenges of financial strain and long working hours that farmers endure.
Concerns Over Mercosur Agreement
While Hansen’s promises resonated positively with many MEPs, his support for the controversial Mercosur trade agreement was met with criticism, particularly from the European Parliament’s agriculture committee. Hansen acknowledged the potential benefits of the agreement but also recognized its challenges. He emphasized the need for fair reciprocity in trade, pointing out that European farmers are often at a disadvantage due to the stricter EU production standards compared to those in non-EU countries.
Defending the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)
Hansen garnered support through his robust defense of the CAP budget, particularly its income support for European farmers. He firmly opposed recent discussions about restructuring the budget, which suggested merging the CAP with other EU programs. Hansen argued vehemently that the farming subsidy program requires its own dedicated financial support, warning that cuts would be disastrous, especially given recent challenges like extreme weather events in Europe.
“I lack a crystal ball, but we must exert pressure on our national governments if we want a strong CAP that is not compromised,” he stated. He expressed skepticism regarding proposals for an Agri-food Just Transition Fund, suggesting that existing resources should be maximized before pursuing new funding initiatives.
In his remarks, Hansen underscored the importance of the CAP not only for farmers but for all European citizens. He voiced support for reforming the CAP to ensure that financial aid is directed more effectively to active farmers and those in genuine need. Additionally, he showed openness to the idea of mandatory capping of subsidies, ensuring that a significant portion of aid—over 10%—is allocated to small farmers. “It is unacceptable for billionaires to receive subsidies while those in need see only minimal increases,” he argued, calling for a more equitable distribution of resources.
Next Steps for Hansen
With strong backing from MEPs, Hansen can now shift his focus to crafting a comprehensive policy paper on the future of EU agriculture and food policy within the first 100 days of taking office. He described this initiative as a “shared roadmap for future initiatives,” aimed at incorporating diverse perspectives from across the agri-food sector.
