Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Maria Panayiotou highlighted the achievements of the Cyprus Presidency in the fields of agriculture and fisheries as she arrived at the final Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AgriFish) under the Cyprus Presidency, taking place on Monday, in Luxembourg.
The Minister, who will chair the Council meetings, stated that the Council sends a clear message that agriculture and fisheries remain strategic pillars of the European Union’s food security and sustainability.
Referring to the fisheries sector, she noted that during the Cyprus Presidency the necessary amendments to the regulations on fishing opportunities were advanced, while important international agreements were also promoted, strengthening the EU’s role in ocean governance. At the same time, she referred to the launch of a broader discussion on the future of the Common Fisheries Policy, focusing on fishing opportunities for 2027 and on adapting the Policy to the demands of a rapidly changing environment.
As regards agriculture, the Minister stressed that the Cyprus Presidency sought to keep the sector high on the European political agenda at a time marked by geopolitical uncertainty, climate pressures and rising production costs.
She noted that during the six month term, initiatives were advanced to support rural communities under the next MFF, while progress was achieved on issues related to farmers’ income and the future of the Common Agricultural Policy.
The Minister also referred to legislative developments, highlighting progress on files such as the revision of the Common Market Organisation (CMO), the Plant Reproductive Material Regulation (PRM) and organic farming, noting that these initiatives aim to reduce the administrative burden on farmers.
Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis said that Ministers would discuss the results of the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy Regulation, recalling that an initial exchange of views had taken place during the informal ministerial meeting hosted in Cyprus a few months ago.
He noted that the evaluation shows that, following the latest reform of the Common Fisheries Policy, progress has been made, with more fish stocks now being harvested at sustainable levels. At the same time, he added, the evaluation identified shortcomings and gaps, which will be discussed by ministers with a view to determining the next steps.
The Commissioner also said that discussions on fishing opportunities for the new season would begin at the Council, during which he would present the state of the fisheries sector and the challenges it faces.
He stressed that the objective of the discussions and decisions to be taken is to ensure a sustainable and resilient fisheries sector, not only in the short term but also in the long run, so that it can meet the needs of future decades.