The Commission must ensure adequate protection mechanisms, but also conduct an impact analysis, in order to effectively defend the interests of the agricultural sector and the EU's food security, according to a statement by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou.
Speaking during the proceedings of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the European Union (EU), which took place on 23 and 24 June, in Luxembourg, Ms. Panayiotou spoke, among other things, about the specificities and serious challenges faced by Cypriot fishermen, due to Turkey's ongoing illegal actions and restrictions on access to fishing grounds, calling on the Commission to take these factors into account when determining fishing opportunities for Cyprus.
Earlier yesterday, in her statements before the start of the Council, Ms. Panayiotou referred to the importance of the joint letter of 22 member states, which Cyprus also co-signed, calling for the CAP to remain an independent financial tool with two important pillars that will serve the needs of farmers and help them adapt to the new climate conditions and the difficult conditions they face. The aim, she said, is “to ensure food security and for the primary sector to have the place it deserves and grow even more because for us what stands out is of course social cohesion in mountainous and remote areas”.
Another suggestion from Cyprus, according to her, is for the Crisis Fund to respond to the needs of farmers and be financed outside the CAP. In order for them to be implemented by the farmers themselves, the simplification of the CAP must be ensured, not only in the administrative part but also in the procedures carried out by the farmers themselves.
He noted that the important thing "is to see our suggestions heard and included in the legislative proposals submitted by the European Commission."
According to a statement issued today by the Ministry of Agriculture, the main points of discussion at the Council were issues related to trade, the simplification of rules in the agricultural sector and sustainable fisheries in the EU, according to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Ministers were briefed on current developments in the EU's trade relations with third countries and discussions in the World Trade Organization. Particular reference was made to trade relations with Ukraine, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States, as well as the agreement with the Mercosur countries.
In this context, Dr. Panayiotou reiterated Cyprus' support for the promotion of trade agreements with third countries and the strengthening of trade diplomacy, always respecting the rules of the World Trade Organization. She also stated that in any trade agreement of paramount importance, it is essential to ensure a level playing field to support the competitiveness of European farmers, as well as to ensure the implementation of high production standards for imported products.
He stressed that the agricultural sector has proven its resilience to crises and its strategic importance for development and security in the EU and should be defended accordingly within the framework of the EU's trade policy. He called on the Commission to ensure adequate protection mechanisms, but also to carry out an impact analysis, in order to effectively defend the interests of the agricultural sector and the EU's food security.
In the context of the discussion of the proposal for simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the period 2026-2027, the Minister noted as particularly positive the provisions for reducing the cost of implementing the Strategic Plans, as well as limiting the conditionality requirements for small farmers and organic farmers. At the same time, she stressed the need to strengthen the tools for prevention, adaptation and increasing the resilience of agriculture in dealing with natural, climatic and health crises.
On the second day of the Council, the main topic of discussion was the European Commission's communication on sustainable fisheries in the EU and the positions and directions for fishing opportunities and quotas for 2026. Dr. Panayiotou stressed that Cyprus remains committed to the sustainable management of stocks and the fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.
She added that more effort is needed to support the fishing sector, due to structural problems and the adverse changes brought about by climate change. Dr. Panayiotou also highlighted the specificities and serious challenges faced by Cypriot fishermen, due to Turkey's ongoing illegal actions and restrictions on access to fishing grounds, calling on the Commission to take these factors into account when determining fishing opportunities for Cyprus.
In the margins of the Council, the Slovenian Presidency of the MED9 Group organised a working dinner of the Ministers of Agriculture of the Mediterranean EU Member States on crisis management and response in agriculture. In her intervention, Dr Panayiotou highlighted the importance of developing flexible support systems for farmers, which adapt to their changing needs.
He stressed the importance of investing in research, innovation and knowledge dissemination to implement efficient solutions, especially for small and medium-sized farms, which will strengthen the resilience of agriculture to crises and the green and digital transition.
Source: KYPE
