Luxembourg’s Christophe Hansen has been appointed European Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, a role he anticipates will be fraught with challenges over the next five years. He begins his term on 1 December.

“I’ve already received messages of condolence because this portfolio is far from easy,” Hansen quipped with a mix of humour and irony in an interview with RTL.

As a member of Ursula von der Leyen’s second European Commission, Hansen, the CSV politician, will oversee Agriculture and Food.

Officially starting his duties on 1 December, he emphasised his commitment to his European mission above national or party interests, recalling von der Leyen’s directive: “When you join the European Commission, you leave your political colours behind.”

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Mercosur Agreement: A contentious starting point

One of Hansen’s first tasks will be tackling the controversial Mercosur agreement—a free trade deal with Latin American countries Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. The proposal has faced fierce opposition from farmers, particularly in France, who fear its impact on European agriculture.

Despite the backlash, the European Commission aims to finalise the deal, potentially during a Mercosur summit in Uruguay in early December. However, resistance from the French government and other nations like Poland may hinder progress.

Reforming agricultural policy

Hansen will also oversee negotiations for the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) covering 2028-2034. A recent report advocates for more targeted aid based on need rather than farm size, signalling potential shifts in subsidy calculations and distribution.

The Commissioner will face external pressures, including economic conflicts between the United States and China, and the implications of new import tariffs. These dynamics are likely to complicate European trade and agricultural strategies further.

Another critical challenge will be balancing the growth of European agriculture with the pressing need to combat climate change. Agriculture remains a significant driver of environmental issues, making sustainability a key focus of Hansen’s tenure.

Hansen’s responsibilities extend beyond farming to the broader food supply chain, encompassing professions like butchers and bakers and addressing challenges in retail and distribution.