Voluntary modulation of direct payments under the common agricultural policy (CAP)

 The committee adopted the second report by Lutz GOEPEL (EPP-ED, DE) once again rejecting - under the consultation procedure - the Commission proposal for a voluntary modulation scheme under the common agricultural policy. As the Commission had refused to withdraw the proposal, despite its rejection by Parliament at the November 2006 plenary sitting (see summary dated 13/11/2006), the proposal had been referred back to the committee in line with Parliament's Rules of Procedure.

Members of the committee felt that the grounds which had led them to reject the proposal the first time round (see summary dated 03/10/2006) remained valid. They believed that the Commission should, as part of the 'Health Check' in 2008/2009 for the agricultural sector, submit fresh proposals on the financing of the second pillar, on the basis of comprehensive impact assessments and intensive and early discussions with Parliament. In this connection, the question of a further compulsory modulation stage could then also be debated.