Mairéad McGuinness elected to vice president role in EPP
Former European Commissioner, Mairéad McGuinness has been elected to a vice president position in the European People's Party (EPP).
McGuinness was elected at the EPP's congress in Valencia, Spain, where the newly formed EPP farmers group held it's inaugural meeting.
Fine Gael MEP, Nina Carberry said the meeting marks 'a key step in shaping the group's position ahead of the EU's next long-term budget, due to be published in July'.
Carberry also welcomed the appointment of McGuinness as a vice president of the EPP.
She said: 'I'm absolutely delighted for Mairéad. Her years of outstanding service have been duly recognised. This new role ensures Ireland remains influential at the heart of European decision-making.
'The EPP is the party of European and Irish farmers. A well-funded Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must stay central to the EU's next long-term budget.'
'As Ireland's only MEP on the European Parliament's Budget Committee, I'm fighting to protect ring-fenced CAP funding,' she added.
Mairéad McGuinness
The EPP farmers group was conceived in March, 2025, and claims it is dedicated to shaping EU policy rural issues, with a focus on generational renewal, support for young farmers, and reducing bureaucratic burdens.
The group brings together EPP members of the European Parliament, many agricultural ministers from across the EU, as well as mayors and local councillors from the committee of the regions.
'We must make sure rural life is always a viable and attractive option, especially for young people,' Carberry said.
Carberry stressed that food security is a 'core part' of Europe's geopolitical resilience and called for stronger, more predictable supports for farmers.
The MEP claims she is also pushing back against proposals for a 'one nation plan per member state' approach in the next long-term EU budget, and warns it could weaken CAP's effectiveness.
With the Agricultural Simplification Package due in May, Carberry has called for more certainty.
'This package must deliver less red tape and more accessible supports. Farmers need fewer forms and more certainty,' she said.
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