Luxembourg: Issues concerning the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) after 2027, the conditions shaping the European agricultural sector under the weight of geopolitical and economic pressures, as well as challenges related to food security and the management of natural risks, were examined at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH), held on Monday in Luxembourg.
According to Cyprus News Agency, during the press conference following the conclusion of the meeting, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, noted that European farmers are facing increasing pressure due to geopolitical instability in the Middle East, which is impacting fuel, transport, and logistics costs, as well as overall production costs. She stated that market disruptions and rising energy costs are squeezing profit margins in the agricultural sector, with potential consequences for food security, consumers, and the stability of the single market.
Dr. Panayiotou pointed out that the discussion at the Council focused on the need to strengthen the resilience of rural communities and safeguard food security, with particular reference to the design of the CAP after 2027, market pressures, and the growing risk of wildfires. Regarding the future CAP, the Minister said that a key objective is to continue supporting food security, farmers' incomes, and the sustainability of rural areas. She stressed that there was a shared understanding of the need for targeted income support to strike the right balance between fairness, effectiveness, and long-term sustainability.
In this context, she noted that many delegations emphasised the importance of flexibility in support instruments, including degressive payments and capping mechanisms, as well as maintaining a level playing field within the EU, while also referring to the issue of retired farmers. At the same time, the Minister said there was broad agreement on the need for a strong and adequately funded CAP as a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring food security in the Union. She noted that the Cypriot Presidency will continue negotiations on the relevant proposals and added that discussions on the future of the CAP are expected to continue at the June meeting.
The Minister also referred to the broader pressures facing the agricultural sector, such as the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, weather conditions, and animal health issues, all of which are affecting production and costs. She stressed that both immediate and medium-term ways of supporting farmers were discussed, while the European Commission is expected to present a fertiliser action plan on 19 May. Member States, she said, are committed to working together to ensure that farmers have the tools and resources they need.
Dr. Panayiotou also referred to wildfires, noting that more than 1 million hectares burned across Europe in 2025 - an area larger than Cyprus - causing significant economic and environmental damage. As she explained, Member States and the EU are placing emphasis on prevention, preparedness, and recovery, with the support of tools and funding mechanisms such as rescEU, as well as adapting strategies to regional needs.
The Minister noted that today's discussions at AGRIFISH highlighted the need to support farmers, ensure sustainable management of natural resources, and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change and market pressures. 'Our common goal is clear,' she said, 'to safeguard livelihoods, protect our environment, and build a stronger, more resilient and more sustainable Europe for future generations.'
Emphasis on flexibility was evident when responding to a question regarding the maximum level of support for farmers. The Minister stressed that the discussion aims to shape a common direction based on the positions of Member States and in close cooperation with the European Commission. As she explained, different approaches were presented during the discussions, with a common element being the need for greater flexibility in implementing the relevant rules, so that the specific circumstances of each Member State can be taken into account and appropriate tools tailored to those circumstances can be effectively used.
Dr. Panayiotou underlined that there is no single solution that can address every case. However, she stressed that the common denominator remains the need to make effective use of the policy tools available for the benefit of farmers. At the same time, she noted that interventions by Member States indicate a tendency in favour of a more flexible and in some aspects voluntary approach, while technical consultations are expected to continue in the coming period. The Minister expressed hope for a positive outcome from the continuation of these discussions, with the aim of strengthening the agricultural sector and supporting European producers.