Romanian MEP Claudiu Richard Târziu, a member of the European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) group, called for a crisis response framework that strengthens member states’ ability to deal with agricultural emergencies without adding new layers of European Union bureaucracy during a debate in the European Parliament’s Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI).
Speaking during discussions on proposed rules concerning the Common Market Organisation and the EU School Scheme, Târziu thanked the rapporteur and fellow lawmakers involved in drafting the legislation, recalling that he had argued since June for greater support for farmers during times of crisis.
The Romanian lawmaker voiced concerns over provisions requiring member states to prepare national crisis response plans, including identifying vulnerabilities in agricultural supply chains, developing early warning systems and monitoring stocks of essential agricultural products.
„We must not build a new layer of European bureaucracy. We must respect the competences of member states and the national crisis management systems already in place. The new framework should not create a parallel market regulation system,” Târziu said.
He also addressed proposals to establish strategic reserves of agricultural products, arguing that their role should be clearly defined. According to Târziu, such reserves should neither become a permanent market intervention mechanism nor evolve into a centrally managed EU-wide stock management system.
As the ECR group’s shadow rapporteur on the file, Târziu said he would continue to support a legislative solution that enhances member states’ capacity to respond to agricultural crises while respecting national competences and existing crisis management mechanisms.
