MEP Nina Carberry hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in the European Parliament on Thursday for a high-level discussion on the future of the equine sector as negotiations on the next Common Agricultural Policy progress (CAP).

The Commission President is a well-known horse enthusiast and passionate rider.

Carberry, who is lead negotiator for the Parliament’s largest political group on the budgetary assessment of the next CAP and Co-Chair of the European Parliament Horse Group, said the discussion highlighted the need for stronger recognition of the sector at EU level.

“The equine sector is a major economic force across Ireland and Europe. It supports close to one million jobs and contributes around €100 billion annually to the EU economy,” Carberry said.

As part of the future CAP, Carberry has called for equines to be fully reintegrated in detailed EU agricultural statistics.

“The first step is recognition. Reliable data and clear recognition are essential if the sector is to be properly reflected in future EU agricultural policy.

“It is also vital that the CAP remains fully funded, with distinct streams maintained for direct payments and for rural development supports. These supports are essential for rural economies and for sectors like the equine industry that underpin many rural livelihoods,” she added.

The discussion went on to address the importance of maintaining the sector’s social licence and MEP Carberry’s proposals on moving towards an EU-wide digital identification and traceability system for horses.

The meeting also touched on ongoing EU discussions on live animal transport. Carberry said she was working on amendments to protect Ireland’s continued access to the EU Single Market.

“We must avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Future legislation must reflect that reality, while ensuring high welfare standards and the proper functioning of the Single Market,” she said.

The discussion included valuable contributions from Joe Hernon, Chairman of the European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Associations, and Des Leadon, Clinical Consultant at the Irish Equine Centre. Paula Cunniffe, Director of Communications at HRI, also presented President von der Leyen with ‘National Hunt and Point-to-Point Racing in Ireland: A History’ by Frances Nolan. HSI were also represented at the event.