Brussels: Commissioner Christophe Hansen, Commissioner Maro‚¬¦¡ ‚¬¦ efcovic, and Commissioner Oliv©r V¡rhelyi are set to host EU agriculture ministers in Brussels tomorrow to deliberate on the future of farming and food security within Europe, focusing on strategic actions anticipated by 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting will evaluate the current agricultural and food landscape in the EU, following the launch of the Vision for Agriculture and Food last year.
The gathering offers a platform to address farmer concerns, emphasizing the robust budget framework supporting Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) objectives. Discussions will highlight funding opportunities, potential synergies for agriculture and rural areas, and measures to boost the competitiveness of European farmers. Future decisions regarding the EU's long-term budget and revenue system will also be on the agenda, ensuring agriculture remains a top priority in EU policy. Ministers will engage in crucial deliberations, shaping the future trajectory for the European agricultural sector.
In 2026, the European capitals of culture will feature Oulu in Finland and Trencn in Slovakia. Supported by the European Commission, these cities will host various cultural events throughout the year, celebrating the diversity of European cultures. The inauguration of Oulu will occur from January 16-18, with a programme themed 'Cultural Climate Change', while Trencn's opening event is slated for February 13-15, focusing on 'Awakening Curiosity'. The European capitals of culture initiative, running for 40 years, aims to celebrate diversity and promote local development.
The European Commission also welcomed the OECD's recent agreement on the coordinated operation of global minimum tax rules, a step towards stabilizing the global tax system and ensuring fair taxation for multinational enterprises. High Representative/Vice-President Kaja Kallas, alongside other commissioners, called on Israel to allow international NGOs to provide aid to Palestinians, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian relief access under international law.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Andrius Kubilius is visiting Portugal for discussions on European defence and space policy. His visit includes meetings with key Portuguese defence and space stakeholders, discussions on European Defence Readiness, and participation in the Diplomatic Seminar 2026. The European space sector showcases collaboration through projects like 'Atlantic Constellation', enhancing Earth observation capabilities for defence and sustainability.