The European Institutions’ puzzle is shaping up…

Dear CEMA Friends,

Most stakeholders took a well deserved summer break, enjoying food, beverages (within moderation), and beautiful countryside that advanced agricultural machinery and solutions help provide and shape across Europe and the rest of the world. In the Brussels bubble too, the European Institutions landscape is shaping up as many pieces to the puzzle start to align.   

I therefore take again this opportunity to congratulate Members of the European Parliament on their election and reiterate CEMA’s will to have a fruitful and constructive cooperation in the coming years. The European Parliament has now appointed its new President, David Sassoli, an experienced Italian MEP from the S&D Group as well as its 14 Vice Presidents and Chairs for its 20 Committees. To look after the interests of the agricultural machinery industry, CEMA will devote special attention to the works endorsed by AGRI, ITRE, IMCO and INTA Committees.

On the EU’s executive side, Ursula von der Leyen was elected as the future President of the European Commission. The first woman to be in this capacity, Ursula von der Leyen set out an ambitious plan for the future Executive in her opening speech and political guidelines. Industry, jobs, growth were mentioned as drivers for prosperity and peace in a united Europe, while the need for a migration pact and urgent actions to fight climate change topped the priority list. Unfortunately, the farming sector and the Common Agricultural Policy got little reference, although being one of the founding pillars of the EU and main contributor to its economy. Stakes are high and Ms von der Leyen will have to compose a European Commission that delivers for the benefits of all EU citizens in the short and long run.

CEMA - in its role of representative of the European Agricultural Machinery Industry - will closely follow the next EU developments and policy directions to raise our concerns and interests while making sure EU policies support the leadership of our industry in Europe and beyond. To do so, our AgriTech 2030 plan sets CEMA’s policy priorities and key political asks for the next mandate of the European Institutions 2019 – 2024.

We are convinced that advanced agricultural machinery and solutions enable sustainable farming for the benefit of our citizens and society. And for this, we have no time to waste now that all stakeholders and institutions are back from the summer break!

Best regards,

Jerome Bandry                                                                                                                                                   

CEMA Secretary General 


2019 08 Jerome Bandry