MEP Giuseppe Antoci voted against Christophe Hansen over unpreparedness

Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – MEP Giuseppe Antoci criticized Christophe Hansen’s unpreparedness and ignorance regarding mafia infiltration in agriculture.

MEP Giuseppe Antoci from the Five Star Movement, strongly criticized and voted against the nomination of Christophe Hansen as the designated Commissioner for Agriculture. He expressed disbelief upon hearing that, during his hearing at the European Parliament, Hansen admitted to being unaware of the issue of mafia infiltration in the agricultural sector and needing to be informed about it. 

Fid Hansen underestimates the impact of organized crime.

Antoci found it particularly troubling that the candidate for such an important role was unaware that, in 2023, investigations by the European Anti-Fraud Office identified over 1 billion euros in potential fraud and irregularities, many of which were linked to the CAP (Common Agricultural Policy).

The MEP further pointed out that Hansen appeared to be unaware of a report by the European Court of Auditors, which described land grabbing as a strategy used by organized crime to carry out fraudulent practices. He highlighted that investigations in Slovakia and France had confirmed these concerns, and in Italy, the mafia had even resorted to violence against those who exposed these illicit activities. Antoci emphasized that, given the gravity of the situation, Hansen couldn’t have been unaware of such issues.

What are the implications of the CAP on fraud?

Antoci further condemned that Hansen could have at least come better prepared for the hearing. He suggested that Hansen might have informed himself about what his predecessor, former Commissioner for Agriculture Phil Hogan, had said in 2019 when Hogan described the so-called ‘Antoci protocol’ as a model for combating criminal infiltrations and fraud within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).

Giuseppe Antoci stated that for all these reasons, The Left group had voted against Christophe Hansen’s nomination. He emphasized that the latest Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) was allocated 386.6 billion euros, representing 31% of the entire European budget—funds that are highly attractive to European criminal organizations.

We cannot afford improvisation,

Antoci asserted.

What we need is seriousness, preparation, and a deep understanding of the problems at hand—qualities that the candidate for Commissioner has demonstrated he does not possess.