Last May, the European Parliament sent a signal of support to the outermost regions (RUP) by speaking out in favor of the budgetary revaluation of Posei (“Program of options specific to remoteness and insularity”). La Production Locale Réunie sees it as “a major political act”.
After months of intense mobilization of stakeholders, European deputies validated the need not only to protect agricultural aid in favor of the ORs through Posei, but also to increase it to respond in particular to the increase in production costs which weigh on our agricultural sectors, aquaculture and fishing. A vote that is not a simple formality : by proposing a specific budget line for the Posei 7,3 billion euros for the period 2028-2034, i.e. a significant increase of 3 billion euros, the European Parliament sets three non-negotiable pillars : the proven autonomy of Posei as a distinct European instrument ; strengthening resources to absorb part of the additional production costs linked to our remoteness and insularity ; lasting recognition of the structural specificities of the ORs.
The “shield” activated
So, at the heart of the adopted report, paragraph 36 affirms the need to guarantee “full and effective application” of Article 349 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union by providing specific funding, distinct and sufficient for the ORs in the next multiannual financial framework. This paragraph clearly calls for a budget envelope dedicated to Posei including agriculture, aquaculture and fishing as essential levers of food security, employment, economic development and social cohesion in the outermost territories. “By his vote, Parliament thus reaffirms Europe’s commitment alongside all its territories”, underlines United Local Production.
A breakthrough, not a victory
The association, which brings together representatives of the agricultural and fishing sectors as well as Reunion industry (Adir, Aribev, Arifel, Wing, arrival, and the Sugar Union), recalls, however, that nothing is certain because if this vote constitutes a solid prerequisite, it is not worth the budget. The sequence which opens is therefore strategic : the current Cypriot Presidency of the Council aimed to present a first compromise at the Council of the European Union on June 18 and 19, with the aim of an overall budget agreement before the end of the year.
