Latest news with #BarryCowen
BreakingNews.ie
2 days ago
- Business
- BreakingNews.ie
Irish MEP says counter-tariffs should 'avoid EU shooting itself in the foot' in letter to commissioner
Irish MEP Barry Cowen has written to the EU trade commissioner to request the protection of three Irish industries from planned counter-tariffs against the US. The EU is still hoping to make a deal with US president Donald Trump's administration, but a second counter-tariff list is due to take place on July 14th or earlier if negotiations fail. Advertisement In the letter to EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, seen by Mr Cowen requested additional protections for spirits, medical technologies and aviation. Mr Cowen first outlines his belift that US bourbon whiskey should be excluded form counter-tariffs, as "this risks triggering US retaliatory tariffs - potentially up to 200 per cent - on EU alcohol exports". He adds that Ireland exports 53 times more whiskey than it importants bourbon - €420 million vs €8 million. At the EU level, spirits exports to the US are €2.9 billion annually, while imports stand at €1 billion. With this in mind, Mr Cowen argues that a 'zero-for-zero tariff arrangement on spirits is vital to protect this key sector and avoid a situation of the EU shooting itself in the foot. I urge the Commission to reaffirm this in its updated list". Advertisement Mr Cowen goes on to write that he is "increasingly alarmed at the prospect of tariffs on US-origin medical technologies, components and diagnostics. The current draft includes 577 categories, covering both medtech inputs and finished products. Its implementation would significantly disrupt healthcare systems and the medtech industry across the EU, including Ireland". Ireland's medtech sector employs over 50,000 people and exports €15 billion annually, representing 8 per cent of our total exports. He asks the EU Commission not to include medical technologies in the final counter-tariffs list, "as industry groups have warned, these products are vital to public health and should not be used as leverage in trade disputes". On aviation, Mr Cowen writes: " I would like to highlight the risk to Ireland's aviation and leasing sectors should US aircraft remain on the EU's retaliation list. Alongside Ryanair, Europe's largest airline group, Ireland is home to global aircraft lessors such as AerCap, all heavily reliant on US-made aircraft. Advertisement "Ryanair operates over 600 Boeing aircraft and it, plus Aercap, have hundreds of more on order. Including these in a tariff regime would severely impact Ireland's leasing and airline industries, with wider implications for the European market. I strongly urge the Commission to exclude US aircraft from the list." In conclusion, Mr Cowen class for measures that are "measured, strategic and not harm sectors where the EU - and Ireland - stand to lose far more than we gain".
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Business
- Irish Independent
Letters: Ireland should make most of its intellectual capital and stop driving talent abroad
Its 2025 Global Tech Talent Guidebook reports that 52.4pc of Ireland's adults hold tertiary qualifications, making it Europe's densest pool of intellectual capital. This success reflects both the excellence of Ireland's universities – six of which are now globally ranked – and represents a vital resource for economic growth. However, for too long, Irish graduates have driven innovation abroad, enriching foreign economies while Ireland stands by. With bold investment in housing, infrastructure, and turning research into business, Ireland could reverse this brain drain and become the Singapore of the Atlantic. The groundwork is set; what remains is vision and action. Ireland can overtake the Netherlands and Sweden as the EU's top per capita destination for foreign direct investment in AI and biotech, but the opportunity is time-sensitive. This will require pairing educational excellence with clear strategy – turning talent into a lasting competitive edge. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Tapping the Atlantic to feed more data centres not the fix Barry Cowen thinks it is Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen says data centres are 'currently accounting for around one-fifth of national (electricity) usage and projected to reach 31pc by 2030' ('Claim we must choose between data centres and housing is a distraction from the real challenge', Irish Independent, June 2). In 2022, data centres in the EU used an estimated 45-65 TWh of electricity (1.8–2.6pc of total EU electricity use). Data centres provide very little employment apart from the construction phase. They provide critical information to keep the world's economy running smoothly when they are commissioned, though. Why should Ireland be a soft touch in the EU for committing so much of our scarce energy resources to house servers for the AI and crypto revolution that are in turn destroying jobs everywhere? Try again, Mr Cowen. If your party can't even build sufficient houses for our young people, there is even less of a chance of you tapping the Atlantic to further our burgeoning demand for electricity. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry World must act now to end the carnage inflicted on Palestinians by Benjamin Netanyahu It is way past time for the whole world to stop beating around the bush and wake up to the true horrors in Gaza. The misuse of the word antisemitic is making a lot of us ill. To be repulsed and outraged by mass civilian death is to be humanitarian. It has nothing to do with religion or political affiliation. Benjamin Netanyahu is responsible for the deaths of women and children every day. It is pure genocide. We know Hamas must be condemned for drawing down fire and killing their own people. But what Israel is now doing is inexcusable and must stop. Surely all Israelis have a responsibility to rid us of Netanyahu and end the carnage? Michael Twohig, Ballinasloe, Co Galway Words will not feed tens of thousands of children in Gaza who face starvation It's now estimated that nearly 71,000 Palestinian children under the age of five are expected to be 'acutely malnourished', with 14,100 cases expected to be severe in the next 11 months. The UN and other humanitarian organisations have rejected the new system for food distribution into Gaza, saying it would not be able to meet the needs of Gaza's people. The fear is that this new system allows Israel to use food as a weapon to control the population. At this stage, Palestinians need deeds, not words. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Leinster players at risk of burning out before next season even kicks off Has anyone considered how the Leinster players may simply be burnt out? Some of them seem to have been playing non-stop for the past three years. The World Cup was mainly responsible for the drain. Of course, the longer they go in a competition, the more games. Next comes Lions duty, then some will be facing the All Blacks and the autumn internationals. All this before the season kicks off again. In the old days, professional heavyweight boxers were rested for months between big fights. Back then, the managers were often indifferent to their health and concerned only with performance. Michael Foley, Rathmines, Dublin Fans must not let cruel loss overshadow such a heroic performance by Munster How cruel it was for Munster to be defeated in a penalty shoot-out after such a heroic display. They seemed to have channelled the spirit of past giants like Anthony Foley and Moss Keane to resurrect the soul of Munster for what truly was a performance for the ages. To pull it out of the top drawer so far from home, and under such humidity, made it all the more remarkable. Leinster should take inspiration from this and close the deal for Ireland, being the sole Irish survivors in the tournament. To have kept what was mostly the Springboks team to a draw for 100 minutes of furious physicality was something to be immensely proud of. It could be the cornerstone for a revival, not just for Munster, but for Irish rugby. M O'Brien, Dalkey, Co Dublin Wonderful to witness such uplifting work by academy giving young people hope That was an inspiring article on Therese Coveney who found her passion in setting up The Together Academy, which provides young adults who have Down syndrome with certified training, experience, work placements and a social and support network, having being inspired to do so after the birth of her daughter, April ('If it wasn't for my daughter, I might never have found real career purpose', Irish Independent, May 29). It was uplifting to read of the difference the academy has had on so many young adults who otherwise would not have managed to live such happy and fulfilled lives. Well done to all concerned with this achievement, which will be an encouragement to so many families.
Agriland
06-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
EU AGRI committee backs proposed fertiliser tariffs
The European Parliament Agriculture and Rural Development Committee (AGRI) has voted to support proposals to impose tariffs on fertiliser imported from Russia and Belarus. During a meeting in Strasbourg yesterday (Monday, May 5), 25 members of the committee voted in favour of an opinion on the proposal, 5 were against and 14 abstained. Irish MEPs Barry Cowen and Maria Walsh, who are both full members of the committee, were among those who voted against. The EU Commission's proposal seeks to modify customs duties applied to imports of certain goods originating in or exported directly or indirectly from Russia and Belarus. The move, intended to restrict Russia's war financing and promote EU strategic autonomy, has already been approved by the European Council. Fertiliser In a statement to Agriland, Midlands–North-West MEP Barry Cowen said that 'after careful consideration' he could not support the proposed tariffs in yesterday's vote. 'The reality is they would hit Irish and European farmers and consumers far harder than they would impact the Russian war machine. 'Fertiliser prices are already rising sharply and the commission's approach risks making a difficult situation worse,' he said. The Fianna Fáil MEP noted that he has already secured support for several key amendments at AGRI. These include monthly monitoring and public reporting of fertiliser prices across all member states and promotion of the active diversification of EU fertiliser supply, particularly through stronger trade ties with the US and support for alternatives such as RENURE and digestate. 'Ireland has no domestic fertiliser production – we rely entirely on imports. These tariffs might make sense for other member states, but for us it could spell disaster. 'Ultimately, in relation to yesterday's vote, the commission failed to put forward any serious proposals to address my concerns and those of Irish farmers. That's not good enough. 'I'll always back Irish agriculture and that means advocating for policies grounded in their lived realities, not just political optics,' Cowen said. Bags of fertiliser. Image: Copa Cogeca on X Fine Gael MEP Maria Walsh said that 'Irish farmers face the highest fertiliser costs in the European Union'. 'The recent Rabobank report highlights the continued increase in the price of fertiliser in 2025, resulting in a decrease of the purchasing power of farmers. 'We are in a particularly vulnerable position due to our reliance on imported fertilisers,' she said. 'I believe the commission's proposal and the compromise reached in the Agriculture Committee lack sufficient safeguards and fail to guarantee that Irish farmers will not be affected by an increase in fertiliser prices. 'Given the multitude of pressures currently facing Irish farmers, they do not need yet another source of uncertainty,' the Midlands–North-West MEP added. 'I have consistently supported sanctions against Russia's aggression towards Ukraine, as my record shows. 'I hope to see a proposal from the Commission that penalises Russia while also protecting Irish farmers,' she said. The next step will be a vote in the International Trade (INTA) Committee, which is the lead committee on this legislation, followed by a vote at plenary (full sitting) of the EU Parliament. Tariffs Meanwhile, Independent Ireland MEP Ciaran Mullooly voiced his disappointment at the outcome of the vote 'despite strong requests from myself, fellow MEPs and farmers groups not only in Ireland but throughout Europe'. He claimed that the new tariffs will 'inevitably lead to higher prices to be paid by our farmers within the next 18 months'. 'The mad rush to push this through flew in the face of lots of genuine efforts by MEPs of all sides to bring amendments – a fact that wasn't forgotten by other MEPs from other countries who spoke after the vote on the committee,' he said. Ahead of the meeting, Mullooly wrote to the Irish MEPs on the AGRI committee to voice his concern and that of farm organisations about 'targeting such an essential farm input'. Mullooly said that he fully supports the EU's strategic objective to reduce dependence on Russian fertiliser imports. However, he believes the compromise measures proposed by the commission to mitigate the impact on Irish and European farming are 'aspirational in tone and vague in substance'.
Agriland
06-05-2025
- Business
- Agriland
CAP must deliver ‘higher income support' for young farmers
The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) needs to deliver 'higher income support for young farmers' and improved access to land and finance, according to one MEP who today (Tuesday, May 6) has set out a new CAP reform plan. The Fianna Fáil MEP for the Midlands North-West and member of the European Parliament's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), Barry Cowen, today published a new position paper outlining his 'vision' for the future of European farming and the next CAP post-2027. In the paper the MEP and former minister for agriculture calls for a major increase in CAP funding in the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). He also warns that 'failure to adjust for inflation could erode over half the CAP's real value by 2034 – representing a €250 billion shortfall'. According to Cowen, against the backdrop of a 'new era of heightened security concerns' food security should be recognised as a core pillar of Europe's strategic defence, with agriculture deserving a 'protected share of broader security spending'. CAP In the paper released today, the MEP also proposes 'stronger financial and policy tools to address generational renewal'. He believes this poses an 'existential threat' to farming and rural communities. The MEP has also highlighted the ongoing calls across Europe for 'major simplification' across CAP delivery including reducing administrative burdens on farmers which he says is a major issue for Irish farmers also. Cowen added: 'This position paper reflects months of engagement with stakeholders across Europe – farmers, young entrants, producer organisations, innovators, environmental experts and policymakers. 'It is shaped by their insights and driven by a belief that we can deliver a CAP post-2027 that strengthens farming and rural life while meeting environmental and food security challenges. 'A resilient, productive agricultural sector is not just an economic asset – it is a strategic imperative. That is why we must halt the erosion of CAP funding and give farming the status it deserves'. Third pillar According to the Fianna Fáil MEP for the Midlands North-West, a 'third, voluntary environmental pillar' should be introduced in CAP which he believes would put 'logic and trust back into the system'. 'It's a chance to support the farmers doing the most for sustainability – with tailored schemes that provide real rewards, not red tape. 'Simplification is no longer optional. Farmers expect less bureaucracy and more clarity. 'Any political representative who campaigned last year knows this was the farming community's overriding message. The next CAP must allow them to focus on what they do best,' he added. Cowen said he plans to use his position paper as the basis for negotiations in the European Parliament, 'aiming to shape both the committee's draft and the final plenary recommendations'.
RTÉ News
05-05-2025
- Business
- RTÉ News
Cowen calls for major increase in CAP funding
A failure to significantly increase funding for the EU's next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) could erode over half of its value by 2034, according to Fianna Fáil MEP Barry Cowen. In his position paper on the future of CAP Mr Cowen, a member of the EU's Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development, calls for a major increase in CAP funding in the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, adding that not adjusting for inflation could lead to a €250 billion shortfall in its value. He said that although the CAP accounts for around a third of the EU's budget, it has been subject to a steady decline. "While Member States' contributions to the EU budget rose to 1.08% of GNI in the 2021-2027 period, CAP allocations declined by 5% in nominal terms and by 12% in real terms. "This downward trend - coupled with rising input costs, inflation, extreme weather conditions and increased regulatory demands - has placed increasing pressure on Europe's farmers," Mr Cowen said. "In real terms, our failure to adjust the CAP budget for inflation could reduce its value by 54% by 2034 - a staggering €250 billion shortfall," he added. Mr Cowen said that in "a new era of heightened security concerns, food security must be recognised as a core pillar of Europe's strategic defence, with agriculture deserving a protected share of broader security spending". In his paper, the Midlands North-West MEP also calls for the creation of a third, standalone environmental pillar within CAP that would offer "meaningful rewards and incentives to farmers who adopt voluntary environmental schemes and sustainable innovations". In addition, Mr Cowen highlights generational renewal as an "existential threat" to farming and rural communities. Mr Cowen is Renew Europe's shadow rapporteur for the European Parliament's report on 'The Future of Agriculture and the Post-2027 CAP'. The final compromise text on the next CAP is expected later this year. In February, the EU outlined its vision for agriculture and at that time said CAP will be "simpler and more targeted, with support more directed towards farmers who actively engage in food production, with a particular focus on young farmers and those farming in areas of natural constraints".
