Tánaiste, Minster Heydon and Minister Byrne will meet with the EU’s Budget and Agriculture Commissioners in Dublin today
-
From: Department of Finance
- Published on: 3 February 2026
- Last updated on: 3 February 2026
Tánaiste Simon Harris and Ministers will meet with the EU’s Budget and Agriculture Commissioners in Dublin today (Tuesday) to discuss the bloc’s next multiannual budget and Common Agricultural Policy as Ireland prepares to take over the EU presidency later this year.
The Tánaiste will host European Commissioner for Budget, Anti-Fraud and Public Administration Piotr Serafin and European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen in Dublin this morning.
Commissioner Serafin is in Dublin as part of a tour of European capitals to discuss the EU’s next long-term budget, known as the EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) 2028-2034. He is likely to work closely with the Irish Presidency on the negotiations for the 2027 Annual Budget as the final of the 2021-2027 MFF. His visit coincides with that of Commissioner Hansen.
The two commissioners will meet with the Tánaiste, Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon and Minister of State for European Affairs Thomas Byrne this morning to discuss ongoing negotiations for the next MFF, with a focus on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which is a key part of the MFF for Ireland. The Irish delegation will argue that it is critical that there is a strong and ring-fenced CAP, which takes account the visibilities and specificities of this Policy.
The Tánaiste is likely to stress that the trend for simplification across all EU efforts must extend to the multi-annual budget. He will argue that the next MFF must be simpler for beneficiaries to implement and that we cannot allow it to be more trouble than it’s worth to draw down EU funds in the future.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Tánaiste Simon Harris said:
“At this turbulent geopolitical time, we must control what is within our control. A European budget that focuses on investing in supporting jobs, agri food, farmers and skills is essential.
“It is vital that the funding structures we agree on for the coming years prioritise reducing bureaucracy and red tape. As President of the EcoFin Council of Europe when Ireland takes over the EU Presidency later this year, I am determined Ireland will be an honest broker in delivering a new multi annual budget. Today’s meeting with key Commissioners is an important step in advancing that work.”
Minister Martin Heydon said:
“In a time of increasing uncertainty globally more than ever we need to ensure the future of food security. A cut to CAP funding will have real consequences for farmers at a time when they are already facing rising input costs, increasing market volatility, and growing expectations in areas such as climate and environmental delivery.
“Farmers cannot be asked to do more with significantly less. A predictable and adequately funded CAP is essential if the policy is to deliver stability, sustainability and resilience across the European agricultural sector.”
Minister Byrne commented:
“From 1 July, Ireland will take the lead in negotiations over the next long term EU budget for 2028-2034. As European Affairs Minister, I look forward to chairing the General Affairs Council during our EU Presidency and ensuring that the next Multiannual Financial Framework is one which delivers for the EU, for Europe, and its people. I look forward to meeting Commissioners Serafin and Hansen in this respect.”