During Poland’s presidency of the EU Council, Minister Czesław Siekierski has outlined several key priorities that will shape the future of European agriculture and rural development. These priorities are aimed at addressing crucial issues such as food security, farmers’ incomes, market stability, and environmental sustainability. The Minister’s vision for the presidency revolves around enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of European agriculture while simplifying the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and ensuring adequate financing for the sector.
One of the main priorities highlighted by Minister Siekierski is the future of the Common Agricultural Policy post-2027. The Minister aims to focus on shaping the CAP in a way that addresses the challenges faced by European farmers and ensures the long-term sustainability of the sector. This includes addressing issues such as food security, farmers’ incomes, and market stability. The overarching goal is to enhance the competitiveness of European agriculture and simplify the CAP to make it more efficient and effective. Additionally, the Minister emphasized the importance of considering EU enlargement in the discussions surrounding the future of the CAP.
Another key priority for Poland’s presidency is the Green Deal, a flagship initiative of the European Union aimed at promoting sustainable development and combating climate change. Minister Siekierski intends to rationalize the goals of the Green Deal in a way that avoids unnecessary burdens on farmers while promoting environmental measures that will contribute to the overall sustainability of European agriculture. By aligning the Green Deal with the needs and realities of European farmers, the Minister hopes to ensure that the agricultural sector can thrive in a changing climate and contribute to the EU’s environmental objectives.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of the rural proofing principle in enhancing the resilience of rural areas against demographic and environmental challenges. By integrating this principle into the new EU financial framework, Minister Siekierski aims to ensure that rural areas receive the support they need to thrive and remain viable in the face of changing circumstances. This commitment to rural development is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of European agriculture and rural communities.
In addition to these key priorities, Minister Siekierski also emphasized the importance of monitoring agricultural markets and international trade to protect European interests. By ensuring that EU trade policies support agricultural competitiveness and safeguard food safety, the Minister aims to secure a strong position for European farmers in the global market. Furthermore, the Minister intends to implement regulations to combat unfair trade practices and strengthen the role of farmers in the food supply chain, thereby ensuring a fair and transparent trading environment for all stakeholders.
Other important issues that will be addressed during Poland’s presidency include regulations on animal protection, phytosanitary regulations, forestry, and plants obtained by genomic methods. These issues are crucial for ensuring the health and sustainability of European agriculture and will be a focus of discussions during the presidency.
In conclusion, Minister Czesław Siekierski’s priorities for Poland’s presidency of the EU Council reflect a commitment to shaping the future of European agriculture and rural development in a way that ensures sustainability, competitiveness, and resilience. By addressing key issues such as the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, the Green Deal, and the rural proofing principle, the Minister aims to lay the groundwork for a prosperous and sustainable future for European agriculture and rural communities. Through these priorities, Minister Siekierski seeks to uphold the values of the European Union and promote a vision of agriculture that is environmentally sustainable, economically viable, and socially responsible.
Date: January 30, 2025
Source: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Poland
Website: www.gov.pl
