Commitment to joint action and strengthening their cooperation, regarding initiatives within the EU to address the effects of the climate crisisand the need to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy, the Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the Mediterranean countries who make up the EU MED-9 group express in a joint statement from Brussels.

It is recalled that the first meeting of ministers Agriculture and Fisheries of the group of EU Member States of the South, took place on January 24 following the initiative of Greek Minister Lefteris Avgenakis, who raised the important issues of the effects of the climate crisis on the primary sector and the need for changes to the CAP. In fact, the nine ministers will meet again at noon on February 26 in Brussels to coordinate their action in view of the Belgian Presidency’s initiative to raise the issue of simplifying the CAP at the Council of Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries of the EU, which is scheduled for in the afternoon of the same day.

In the joint statement of its ministers EU MED-9, which was issued today, states the following:

“We, the undersigned Ministers of Agriculture and Fisheries and the representatives of its countries of Greece, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain, we met in Brussels on 24 January 2024, for the first time as EU med9. Discussing the enormous challenges faced by farmers, fishermen and the entire food sector in the midst of the current climate crisis, which is particularly affecting the Mediterranean region, we reaffirm the seriousness of the situation and recognize the worsening frequency and intensity of phenomena such as drought , floods and fires in our countries.

Recognizing the wider impact on farmers’ income and living standards, we declare here and now our collective commitment to strengthen cooperation, encourage related initiatives and support dialogues on the climate crisis and on other common issues, such as the need simplification of the CAP. Our main goal is strengthening the food sector, through collective efforts and coordinated actions aimed at supporting our farmers and strengthening the resilience of the entire agri-food chain.

We are committed to prioritizing the development of one sustainable agricultural and fishing sector in the region, thereby strengthening food sovereignty in the EU and ensuring that food reaches consumers at a reasonable price. This Ministerial meeting demonstrates our determination to address the urgent needs of our communities in the agricultural and fisheries sectors despite the cascading effects of climate change.”