Brussels: The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, will be in Brussels for the inaugural Council of EU Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which is scheduled for Monday. The meeting will see the presence of key figures such as the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, Health and Animal Welfare, Oliv©r V¡rhelyi, and Fisheries and Oceans, Kosta Kadis.
According to Cyprus News Agency, during the session, Dr. Panayiotou will unveil the programme and key priorities of the Cyprus Presidency concerning agriculture and fisheries. Under the guiding message of "An Autonomous Union, Open to the World," the Minister will emphasize objectives aimed at enhancing the competitiveness, sustainability, and appeal of the European agricultural and fisheries sectors.
A significant focus will be placed on the importance of a robust Common Agricultural Policy that assures fair and stable incomes for farmers, fortifies their role in the food supply chain, and contributes to maintaining the European Union's food security through the production of safe and high-quality food. Simultaneously, the Cyprus Presidency will advocate for the adoption of effective and immediately applicable measures to prevent and address natural disasters and fires.
Within the Council framework, Ministers are expected to engage in a policy debate on the European Union's new bioeconomy strategy, focusing on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, aimed at formulating new Council conclusions. Additionally, an orientation debate will be held regarding the European Commission's proposal to amend the regulation on organic farming to simplify the current framework.
During her Brussels visit, the Minister of Agriculture will attend several European Parliament committee meetings. Specifically, on Tuesday, she will appear before the Committee on Fisheries (PECH), on Wednesday before the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI), and on Thursday before the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI). Her appearances aim to present the Cyprus Presidency's priorities and initiatives in relevant areas and to engage in discussions with EP members on the main challenges and policy priorities concerning agriculture, fisheries, the environment, and sustainable development.
The Minister is expected to return to Cyprus on Thursday evening.