Nicosia: 'The goal is for the Cyprus EU Presidency to deliver a greener, more resilient and more competitive Europe,' stated Maria Panayiotou, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, during a presentation in Nicosia. The presentation highlighted the Cyprus Presidency's priorities within the EU Council regarding agriculture, fisheries, and the environment.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Panayiotou emphasized Cyprus's role as an honest broker in achieving broadly acceptable agreements among Member States, particularly concerning the Mercosur agreement and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The focus on agriculture and fisheries centers on enhancing autonomy through competitiveness.
Panayiotou outlined that the Cyprus Presidency's priorities are anchored in four thematic pillars. These include an agricultural policy aimed at bolstering the competitiveness, sustainability, and attractiveness of European agriculture; ensuring food production and resilient trade; reducing dependencies on external agricultural products; and advancing a strengthened Common Fisheries Policy.
Regarding the CAP, Panayiotou stressed the need for a robust and sustainable future, prioritizing fair income for producers and bolstering farmers' positions within the food supply chain. She highlighted the importance of fostering a competitive agricultural sector to ensure quality food production and reduce import dependencies.
The Minister also referred to a dialogue initiated on 7 January, in collaboration with the European Commission, to establish resilient external trade conditions with third countries. Efforts will focus on evaluating legislation related to Unfair Trading Practices, simplifying legal frameworks, and enhancing farmers' market positions.
On the environmental front, the Cyprus EU Presidency will focus on the European Green Deal, addressing climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Panayiotou identified five thematic areas key to Europe's environmental and economic future: water resilience, climate adaptation, climate policy, the circular economy, zero pollution, and the bioeconomy strategy.
Panayiotou concluded by stressing the importance of simplifying environmental legislation to meet commitments without compromising standards-a significant goal of the Cyprus EU Presidency.