While we are moving through the Latvian presidency at pace, Luxemburg are currently planning their Presidency of the European Council from July 1st to the end of the year.

As dairy is one of the key agricultural outputs of the Grand Duchy, it is not surprising that current Lux Agri Minister Fernand Etgen sees the impact of the abolition of dairy quotas as his stated key priority for the latter half of the year.

Linked with this priority, will be  Luxembourg’s steering of the EU/US trade negotiations and the lifting of the Russian ban which is due to expire on their watch in early August. Other policy dossiers highlighted were the simplification and the organic dossiers.

ICOS looks forward to working with Minister Etgen and his team, to ensure the interests of Irish co-operative dairy are protected and enhanced.