H.E. Mr. Lars Thuesen:

I am not an expert on agricultural policy. I grew up in a farm and spent the first 18 years of my life on a farm. That is many years ago and the world has changed a lot. Denmark's experiences are probably very different from those of Ireland because the structures are very different. We have huge farms in Denmark nowadays. We do not have family farms like Ireland still has, which in some ways makes it a little easier for us. When we talk about huge farms, it is easier to control and implement a lot of the environmental regulations than when it comes to family farms. Also, our farms are very competitive. Our agriculture is very competitive. I will now say something controversial. Denmark could easily live without the CAP. We would still be able to compete on the European and global markets. That is not the case for a large majority of EU countries and we realise that. Denmark's Presidency will be about the European spirit and reaching consensus on the issues. That is our national priority but will not be a Presidency priority. When it comes to the CAP, and part 8 of the MFA and so on, Denmark will be the honest broker and nothing else.