In the Land of fields of shamrocks
On 3 February Commissioner Piotr Serafin travelled to Ireland, accompanied by Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food. Set against the backdrop of Dublin, the visit brought together EU decision-makers, Irish political leaders, parliamentarians, and agricultural stakeholders to reflect on shared priorities.
At the heart of the discussions was the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), Ireland’s upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU (July–December 2026), and the policies that matter most to citizens, communities, and farmers across Ireland and Europe.
STOP 1: Setting the scene with the Irish Government (3 February)
The visit began at Government Buildings, where Commissioner Serafin met with Simon Harris, Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Finance; Martin Heydon, Minister for Agriculture; Thomas Byrne, Minister for EU Affairs; and other senior representatives of the Irish Government.
This first exchange set the tone for the mission. Discussions focused on Ireland’s forthcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Commission’s proposal for the next long-term EU budget, and the importance of geographical balance within the EU institutions.
Irish representatives reaffirmed their intention to act as an honest broker in negotiations on the next long-term budget. The conversation also addressed how the future MFF can support competitiveness, security and defence, strengthen cohesion across regions, and continue to underpin a resilient and sustainable agricultural sector.
STOP 2: Dialogue with Parliamentarians at Leinster House (3 February)
From government to parliament, Commissioner Serafin then travelled to Leinster House to engage with the Oireachtas (Parliament) Committee on EU Affairs, with members of the Agriculture Committee also invited to participate.
Following opening remarks by the Committee Chair, Barry Ward, T.D., Commissioner Serafin outlined the rationale behind the next MFF proposal before entering into an open exchange with Members of the Oireachtas.
As a public Committee session, the discussion offered a transparent forum for debate, allowing Parliamentarians to raise questions, share perspectives, and contribute to the conversation on Europe’s long-term priorities.
Parliamentarians expressed their views and asked questions about the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), Mercosur, the topics of defence and competitiveness, and PeacePlus (a cross-border funding Programme supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration).
STOP 3: Listening to those on the ground: Irish Agricultural Representatives (3 February)
In the afternoon, the focus turned to those directly shaping Ireland’s rural economy. Commissioner Serafin and Commissioner Hansen met with a broad range of agricultural stakeholders, including the Irish Farmers’ Association, the Irish Creamery and Milk Suppliers’ Association, the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association, Irish Grain Growers, Macra na Feirme, and the Irish Natura and Hill Farmers’ Association.
This exchange provided a valuable opportunity to hear first-hand from farmers and sector representatives, reflect on the diversity of Irish agriculture, and discuss how the next long-term EU budget can respond to their realities, challenges, and expectations for the future.
Key topics included the future of the CAP, generational renewal in farming, environmental measures financed through the EU budget, food security, reducing administrative burdens, and the need for further simplification.
STOP 4: Looking ahead with the Taoiseach (3 February)
The visit concluded with a meeting between Commissioner Serafin and Micheál Martin, Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland.
Their exchange focused on Ireland’s priorities ahead of its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union (July–December 2026), emphasising the importance of constructive negotiations and close cooperation among Member States.
Regarding the forthcoming MFF negotiations, the Taoiseach expressed his readiness to work towards a successful conclusion of the file. Particular attention was given to competitiveness, new own resources, cohesion policy, defence, and the common agricultural policy.
As the Tour d’Europe continues its journey, the Irish stop underlined the country’s active role in shaping Europe’s future, and the importance of dialogue at every level in building the next chapter of the European project.
