Fischer-Boel calls time on Brussels career
Tuesday September 15 2009
Mariann Fischer-Boel has confirmed she is to step down as EU Agriculture Commissioner when the current commission finishes its term later this year.
Reports from Brussels indicate that the Dane has informed commission president José Manuel Barroso of her intention to leave.
Mr Barrosso had been anxious for Ms Fischer-Boel to remain in the farm portfolio for another five-year term, but she has decided to call time on her Brussels career.
While Ms Fischer-Boel has insisted that she had enjoyed her term in farming, she said the role was "demanding".
The position is likely to become even more demanding over the next five years as the renegotiation of the full CAP package takes centre stage ahead of 2013.
Pressure on the overall farm budget will make these discussions even more fraught, with some countries adamant that expenditure on farming must be cut, while member states in eastern Europe are seeking a greater share of the agriculture spend.
It is understood that Ms Fischer-Boel cited personal reasons for her decision to vacate the commission post.
Her age is believed to be a factor. She is 66 this year and a further term would mean she would be 71 on retiring.
A noted supporter of free market policies, Mr Fischer-Boel's period in Brussels will be remembered primarily for the CAP Health Check package, which heralded the end of the milk quota regime.
With the agriculture portfolio now up for grabs, pressure on the Government to pitch for the post is likely to gather pace.
Farmer representatives have warned that the CAP framework up to 2020 will be settled by forthcoming budget negotiations and argue that having an Irish commissioner in place would be beneficial.
- Declan O'Brien
