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Nicholson meets Commissioner Designate for Agriculture

Conservative and Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson, ECR agriculture coordinator, held an important meeting this week with the Romanian Commissioner Designate for Agriculture Dacian Ciolos. Mr Ciolos had requested meetings with the coordinators of the political groups, all of whom are key figures in the European Parliament's Agriculture committee.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Nicholson said,

"We had an hour long discussion and had the opportunity to touch on a variety issues, including the future of the CAP in light of expected budget cuts. I made very clear to Mr Ciolos my concerns at the prospect of a Romanian being in charge of the Agriculture portfolio, especially in view of the problems highlighted by the Court of Auditors in relation to Romania's management of EU funds. I warned Mr Ciolos that he would face some tough questions during the hearing in the Agriculture committee in the New Year.

"Comments made by the French President, Mr Sarkozy claiming that Mr Ciolos would be supporting the French line on agriculture were far from helpful. However, Mr Ciolos made it clear to me that he would not be unduly influenced by the French and would attempt to work in the best interests of all member states. We will just have to wait and see if this happens.

"It seems that some of the initial concern about Mr Ciolos is easing and that all the major political groups will endorse his candidature in the end. In my view, there is no point opposing Mr Ciolos simply to fill the post with another Romanian. My reluctance is nothing to do with Mr Ciolos personally but rather Barroso's decision to allocate this portfolio to Romania in the first place. Unfortunately, however, it will be extremely difficult to renegotiate that"

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