Carberry appointed to CAP’s €2tn budget committee

KILDARE’S MEP Nina Carberry has been appointed to lead negotiations on the future Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2028-34) for the European Parliament’s largest political group, the EPP, on the Budget Committee.

The news comes several days after the Department for Agriculture confirmed €40 million was issued in CAP payments to farmers in Kildare over the course of 2025.

In her new role, Ms Carberry will draft the parliament’s budget position on the next CAP, which remains the single largest component of the nearly €2 trillion EU fund.

Speaking after her appointment in Brussels, Ms Carberry said she was honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility for the parliament’s largest party, the European People’s Party (EPP), which has 190 MEPs.

“Since entering the European Parliament 18 months ago, I have been determined to deliver for my constituents [Midlands NorthWest],” said Ms Carberry.

“I am delighted that my colleagues have given me the opportunity to help shape the next CAP.” Ms Carberry confirmed that she will seek an increased CAP budget, with a strong focus on cutting red tape.

“We are starting with a proposed ringfenced €300bn for direct payments and basic income support, and a new minimum 10% rural development target. However, this still represents a smaller share of the EU budget than in the existing CAP period,” she said.

“There is significant work ahead to ensure that both basic income and rural development funding is increased and that the overall CAP budget reflects the importance of food security.” 

The MEP also highlighted the need to align CAP investment with research and innovation funding, which has been increased to €175bn for the next seven-year period, and said generational renewal must be central to all elements of the next CAP.

However, she expressed concern about proposals to fold CAP funding into a single EU fund.

“Rolling CAP into a single fund carries serious risks. It must remain clearly ringfenced, and its common nature is essential – it cannot become 27 different national policies.” 

Over the coming months, Ms Carberry will prepare amendments to the European Parliament’s budget report and begin consultation with farmers, community organisations and other key stakeholders.