Gallagher MEP: "EU 2020 strategy : Jobs and Agriculture, key priorities"

Pat the Cope Gallagher welcomes the position agreed upon today by the European Parliament in Strasbourg on the Strategy for the EU for the next 10 years.

"I see job creation and economic growth as key priority over the next 10 years for Ireland and the EU. Funding for research and innovation must be prioritised including reducing administrative burdens for small businesses in order to give them the chance to thrive in these tough economic times. Green growth, energy efficiency, lifelong learning and climate change challenges must all be addressed with ambitious budget proposals".

Gallagher was adamant that agriculture should be included in any strategy plan for the future. He held talks today in Strasbourg with John Bryan and members of the IFA on the future of the CAP and the inclusion of agriculture in any EU future strategy.

"Agriculture was ignored in the original proposals for the EU 2020 strategy which was a huge mistake. I met today with John Bryan from the IFA and we agreed that agriculture is a vital contributer to the main priorities of the EU 2020 strategy and we welcome its inclusion and recognition of its vital role ".

The European Parliament asks the Commission to propose new measures, and possibly sanctions, to deal with Member States that do not implement the EU2020 Strategy and incentives for those that do so.

ENDS