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RTÉ News
15-07-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
European Commission to propose merging CAP funding with other funds
The European Commission is set to propose merging Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) funding with other funds, in a radical overhaul of how farmers receive financial supports from the European Union budget. Draft documents of the proposals, seen by RTÉ News, indicate that from the start of the next EU budgetary cycle in 2028, the commission plans to pool dedicated agricultural and rural financial supports into a single National and Regional Partnerships fund. The proposal would mean CAP would no longer be a stand-alone fund within the EU budget but would instead be merged with EU cohesion, migration, and infrastructure funding. This could result in certain funding for agriculture within the EU budget no longer being ringfenced and see financial supports funnelled away from farming and into other areas. In the draft, the commission argues the change would allow for "stronger synergies between policies", and create a more flexible, crisis-responsive budget that better reflects the EU's shared priorities. The commission will outline its proposals to MEPs later today for the next EU budget - known as the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) - which comes into effect in 2028. Irish farmers receive around €2 billion annually in CAP payments to help support the rural economy and food production. This funding is divided into two pillars - the first comprising direct payments to farmers, with the second focusing on rural development. However, the draft commission document proposes to guarantee "coherence by integrating the CAP interventions from the current two-funds structure under one single umbrella". The proposal suggests member states would have more power to reallocate funding "based on their specific needs rather than uniform allocations". Some Irish MEPs who have seen the leaked commission proposals say they risk CAP funding to farmers being considerably reduced, with some estimates suggesting they could see a drop of up to 30%. Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh, who is a member of the European Parliament's Agriculture Committee, said they "highlight a real risk of the already insufficient CAP budget being further decreased. "While the relevance of some pillar-two tools - from farm advisory services to LEADER programmes - is maintained in the proposal, the funding is uncertain. "Without guaranteed investment, our rural communities and farmers will suffer. For example, the ringfenced funding for LEADER programmes has been abolished - I will be fighting within the Agriculture Committee to reverse this decision," she added. The commission's plans also recommend CAP funding "should be focused on active farmers", meaning supports would be "targeted towards farmers who exercise agriculture as a principal activity". In addition, the proposals would increase supports for younger farmers significantly, with funding for the costs of establishing a new farm potentially rising from €100,000 to €300,000. Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly said he is "alarmed and concerned" by the reported proposals "to scrap a fund with millions of euros of Pillar 2 rural development grants. "These grants provide a lifeline to many parts of the midlands, west, north west and north east," he said. He added that "the Commissioner is proceeding against the advice of all farmers and community groups with a single fund to be merged with cohesion funds paid to member states. "The scale of cuts in the budget being proposed are absolutely disastrous for Irish farmers." 'Big battle ahead' - IFA The Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) has described the draft proposals as "very concerning". IFA President Francie Gorman said: "it is clear that the EU Commission is downgrading the importance of the CAP and food production to allow for greater spending elsewhere. "The CAP is being turned into an environmental and social policy. Support for farmers who are producing the most food is being consistently reduced. "At a time when Ireland is a net contributor to the overall EU budget, this level of investment in every parish takes on even more significance," he said. "CAP has been the cornerstone of the multi-billion export sector that underpins thousands of jobs in regions far from the urban centres. "There is a big battle ahead to retrieve a coherent policy from what the EU Commission is proposing," he added. 'Beginning of a protracted process' Minister for Agriculture Martin Heydon has said that the commission's budget proposals are "just the beginning of a protracted process". The minster said: "Member States will, through the Council of Ministers, begin the process of agreeing a general approach to the commission's proposals, before engaging in line-by-line negotiations with the EU Parliament and the EU Commission. "This will take some time, and I fully expect the progression of these proposals to be a significant feature of Ireland's Presidency of the EU Council in the second half of next year. "My priority throughout will be to ensure that the legislation finally agreed reflects Ireland's concerns, and provides certainty and stability for farmers," the minister added. Once the commission sets out its proposed EU budget, this will start a process of debate and negotiation that will ultimately lead to a final vote on the next budget for the bloc, that would begin in 2028. Ireland is expected to play an important role in this process, especially regarding CAP funding, given that we will hold the rolling six-month EU presidency for the second half of 2026.
Euronews
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Euronews
Commissioner and MEPs in Budapest to challenge Orban's Pride ban
Around 70 MEPs from the liberal, green and left wing of the European Parliament joined the Belgian equality commissioner in Budapest on Saturday afternoon, as thousands of protestors marched through the Hungarian capital, waving rainbow and EU flags. The MEPs were primarily from the liberal Renew Europe, Socialists & Democrats, the Left and Greens groups, joined by one Irish European People's Party (EPP) MEP, Maria Walsh. Tens of thousands joined the march, with organisers claiming as many as 200,000 were on the streets. 'Long before I got into politics, and long before I leave, I'll be showing up for Pride. For me and for my values, Pride is incredibly important. I only wish more were here, but I joined together with over 70 other MEPs from across political parties,' Walsh told Euronews. 'It's not about one party versus the other party. It's about one human being showing up for another,' she added, when quizzed on the fact that there was no EPP delegation with her. 'I would have preferred that more EPP people would have joined the event. I think it's disappointing because this is an important mobilisation,' the President of Renew Europe, Valérie Hayer, told Euronews. 'We have noted, since the start of this term, that the EPP is wavering between the democratic forces and the extreme right. It's a pity that the EPP doesn't understand who their adversaries are," said French socialist MEP Emma Rafowicz. A notable EPP absence was Hungarian opposition leader and MEP Peter Magyar. His centre-right party Tisza party is currently leading the governing Fidesz party in opinion polls for the 2026 parliamentary election. Magyar was not in Budapest, avoiding taking a stance of the issue of the thorny issue of the Pride march, which a recent survey indicated divides opinion in the country, with 47% of Hungarians opposed to it taking place. However, earlier in the day he called for a peaceful protest. 'I ask everyone not to fall for any provocation. If anyone gets hurt today in Budapest, if anyone comes to harm, Viktor Orbán alone will be responsible,' Magyar posted to his social platforms. European Commissioner for equality Hadja Lahbib held meetings with local civil society organisations on Friday. However, she did not show up at the march, telling Euronews that she instead would be attending meetings in the city. Risking fines and jail time In March, the Hungarian parliament approved a bill that in effect banned the gay pride march. As the legislation states, this event could violate Hungary's so-called child protection law, adopted earlier in the country, prohibiting any portrayal of same sex relationships for minors. The European Commission views this as a violation of its community law and has referred the case to the European Court of Justice. Conservative and far-right MEPs in the European Parliament defended Orbán's move to ban Pride events, saying the EU should not interfere in Hungary's internal affairs. However, the mayor of Budapest, Gergely Karácsony from the Green party, allowed the parade to go ahead by re-labeling it as a 'Day of Freedom' celebration, officially organized by the city council. This legal loophole allowed the thousands of people to march through the streets of Budapest in sweltering heat, protesting not just the ban Pride ban, but Viktor Orban's government generally. Alongside pride flags and the loud music, there were banners displaying the prime minister. 'I am not a big fan of Pride events, but this extends beyond Pride. This is about freedom too, because Hungary, a European Union country, banning Pride, is simply not on," one attendee told Euronews of his motivations for attending. Security was tight, with security cameras installed on lamp posts in the city centre and hundreds of police officers deployed at key spots of the parade, keeping watch over protesters and ensuring there were no clashes. Attendees were warned by the Hungarian Ministry of Justice that parade organisers risked up to a year in prison, and that those marching could be fined €500. The police have been encouraged by the government to use facial recognition technology to identify the attendees, although Karácsony insists that nobody will face punishment for their participation in the march. Anti-LGBT protesters also assembled in Budapest The nationalist 64 Counties Youth Movement held a legally sanctioned event on the same square in Budapest where Pride participants later gathered. Meanwhile, the Our Homeland Movement, a small far-right parliamentary party, organised a police-approved counter-march along the same route as the municipal Pride event. However, during the day the far-right protest was blocked by a strong police presence to avoid conflict. No major incidents were reported by the evening, although Euronews witnessed a confrontation between a small group of the 64 Counties Youth Movement – holding a banner comparing LGBT people to paedophiles and the Pride March. 'We are here because we want to warn the people of Hungary about the LGBT paedophilia, it is a really danger for our children,' one anti-LGBT protester told Euronews. Another anti-Pride protester tried to stop the march by standing in front of the truck leading the parade. He was jeered by the crowd and removed by the police.
Irish Examiner
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
EU overwhelmingly votes to criminalise AI-generated child sexual abuse material
The EU has overwhelmingly voted to criminalise AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM) as part of "monumental" legislation that will transform protections for children and victims. It will be a criminal offence to create, possess, or distribute CSAM that has been created using artificial intelligence. It also covers offences related to livestreamed abuse, grooming, and sextortion. The European Parliament voted in favour of the directive by 599 to two with 62 abstentions. Over the last year, there has been more than a 1,000% increase in the generation of child sexual abuse content using AI. Irish MEP Maria Walsh said that policy has not kept up with technology while children have been targeted by "the most disturbing forces in society". "As a member of the committee responsible for the new law passed in the European Parliament this week, I know the real life impact it will have on vulnerable children and victims," said Ms Walsh. The legislation will introduce tougher penalties for offenders, and it will introduce a clear ban on horrific 'instruction manuals' that teach people how to abuse children. The legislation will see AI material criminalised across all 27 member states in the same fashion as real abuse because the models have to be trained using real material, said Dutch MEP Jeroen Lenaers as rapporteur. "From AI-generated child sexual abuse material, it is only a very small step to abusing children in real life and it needs to stop," said Mr Lenaers. Europol's Operation Cumberland in February saw 25 arrests in what was one of the first cases involved in AI-generated child sexual abuse material. Supported by authorities in 19 countries, the operation saw 273 suspects identified and 173 electronic devices seized. The National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), a US-based organisation, said it has witnessed a surge in worldwide reports of online abuse in recent years. In 2022, the number of reports reached over 32 million with 49,000 of these identified as involving a child in imminent danger. Statute of limitations The legislation passed on Tuesday will also remove the statute of limitations on child abuse crimes to ensure prosecution of all crimes and to allow victims the time to come forward. "The legislation will also remove the statute of limitation on child sexual abuse crimes in all EU countries - a crucial move given the average age of disclosure of an experience of child sexual abuse is 52 years old," said Ms Walsh. "On top of this, a third of abused children never tell anyone at all. This legislation tells survivors that the clock will never run out on their rightful search for justice." Time should not wash away accountability and there should be no safe zone for abusers that begins when the clock runs out, she said. Read More Child sexual abuse imagery being shared online by use of artificial intelligence, report finds
The Journal
15-06-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
AI child sexual abuse material to be criminalised under new EU laws, says Irish MEP
NEW LEGISLATION FROM the European Union will criminalise AI-generated child sexual abuse material and remove a statute of limitation on child abuse crimes across Europe, MEP Maria Walsh has said. Walsh is a member of the European Parliament's committee responsible for the revision of the Combating Child Sexual Abuse Directive. The revised directive is due to be voted on in the European Parliament on Tuesday. The proposed legislation will criminalise child sexual abuse material that has been generated by artificial intelligence – including the development, possession, and distribution of AI systems used to produce the content. The issue of AI being used for nefarious means has become increasingly prevalent as AI systems grow rapidly more sophisticated. Last month, The Journal reported that the Children's Ombudsman said he is 'hugely concerned' about the potential of AI apps that can be used by anyone to create sexually explicit images of children. Dr Niall Muldoon warned that stronger laws were needed to tackle the scourge of so-called 'nudification' apps, which allow real photos of women and girls to be edited by artificial intelligence to produce deepfake images that make them appear naked. Advertisement In February, The Guardian reported that the UK was to be the first country to introduce tough new laws to tackle the technology behind the creation of such material. Today, Walsh said that once the vote has passed the legislation, it will result in the criminalisation of AI child sexual abuse material 'for the first time'. She said that the use of AI to sexually abuse children results in the victimisation of real children, including survivors of previous sexual abuse. 'The new laws will also remove the statute of limitation on child sexual abuse crimes in all EU countries,' she said. 'Shockingly, the average age of disclosure of an experience of child sexual abuse is 52 years old. In other words, child sexual abuse is a life sentence. On top of this, a third of abused children never disclose their experience at all.' She said that Ireland has a 'long and shameful history' of 'mistreating' young people and vulnerable members of society, but that the problem of AI child sexual abuse material extends further and across the European Union. 'Child abusers should never be allowed to hide and escape from accountability for their actions. A life sentence for victims must mean a lifelong possibility of justice,' she said. If you have been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can reach out for support through the following helplines: Dublin Rape Crisis Centre - 1800 77 8888 (fre, 24-hour helpline) Samaritans - 116 123 or email jo@ (suicide, crisis support) Pieta - 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 – (suicide, self-harm) Teenline - 1800 833 634 (for ages 13 to 19) Childline - 1800 66 66 66 (for under 18s) Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
BreakingNews.ie
26-05-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish MEP warns of dangers to LGBT community across Europe
Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh has warned of the increasing dangers people of the LGBTQ+ community are facing across Europe. Ms Walsh was speaking on the 10th anniversary of the Marriage Equality referendum in Ireland, which saw 62 per cent in favour of same-sex marriage, on a high turnout of 61 per cent. Advertisement The Fine Gael MEP made headlines in 2014, as she was the first openly gay winner of the Rose of Tralee. Speaking to Breakingnews, Ms Walsh recalled the celebrations in Australia as Ireland voted for same sex couples to have the right to get married. "In many ways, it was a bittersweet moment", said Ms Walsh. "I wasn't in Dublin Castle for the announcement of equality for my peers and my generation, but I was on the dance floor in Perth, having just watched the new Perth Rose get selected, standing alongside a Labour politician, who is Dublin born but Australia raised of the name of Stephen Dawson. Advertisement "While he and his husband were married in 2013, he re-proposed right in front of us on the dancefloor. For him, his home country had seen this overwhelming change of welcome and removal of indifference. "It was such a unique moment to experience, but obviously I would have loved to have been in and around Dublin Castle, but probably more so the West of Ireland, where the perception coming into the election was rural communities would never see the equality that was needed." Ms Walsh admitted the referendum, combined with passing the referendum in 2018 for abortion rights in the country, were big contributing factors to her entering politics. However, she warned that referendums alone would not be enough to continue social change in the country. Advertisement "People were excited about themselves or a family member or a friend or an auntie or uncle who moved away in the 70s because of their orientation, was now being celebrated. "Repeal the eighth, just the very basic right to women's healthcare, it captured the change that was needed. It was a removal of the shackles in many ways for cultural beliefs. "That hold that we had of ourselves or of other people had of us as a country, that just lifted, which is incredible. "I remember having really deep and meaningful conversations around marriage equality and repeal the eighth, and one of the things that really frustrated me in those conversations was a general election would be coming on and I would ask if they are interested in that, and they would say "not at all, that's not really for me". Advertisement "We do know the circle of change happens when we elect people who want positive change and positive change. That disconnect was apparent in those two referendums. "They are sexy, they are trendy, they mobilised a vote, they got people home to vote. All of that became so relevant, which is fantastic. "Since then, I wonder how we can connect people to push that progressive change outside of these referendums." In the last few years, countries across Europe have seen a push from far-right politicians and groups which have targeted the rights of LGBTQ+ people. Advertisement Earlier this week, an event by the Labour party had to be postponed 'due to the threat of protest from far-right actors at the original venue'. Ms Walsh highlighted further examples of moments of feeling unsafe for herself and other members of the community, both in Ireland and across Europe. "There is a website dedicated to me from the 2019 election created by a very infamous family from the west of Ireland, that says by going to schools I brainwash children into becoming LGBTI people, which is so far away from the truth it is laughable. "In June last year, Wicklow Pride was forced to cancel due to threats from protestors. Research from the Midlands LGBTI+ project show 20 per cent of gay people feel unsafe. "Panti Bliss shared on the radio over the weekend that she has never felt more unsafe in the last 10, 15, or 20 years. "I feel safe, but I'm not walking around Dublin city all the time. I am not coming out of gay pubs or nightclubs every weekend. "I absolutely felt unsafe when I was in Belgrade in the Euro Pride parade two years ago. I absolutely felt unsafe attending Budapest pride a couple of years ago, I have no doubt I will feel unsafe when I attend again at the end of June. "There is points over the campaign where do I feel unsafe, no, but it is certainly unsafe online. It doesn't take a whole lot to shift from online to the physical space. "Equality is so hard fought, and very quickly lost, and that is the epicentre of the work we still need to do."
