24 September 2024, Skopje, North Macedonia

The CIHEAM Participates in the 18th Annual Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture from South Eastern Europe in Skopje

On 24 September 2024, the 18th Annual Meeting of Ministers of Agriculture from South Eastern Europe (SEE) was held in Skopje, North Macedonia. Organized under the joint auspices of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy of North Macedonia and the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group (SWG) in South Eastern Europe, this event brought together key political leaders from the region to discuss future developments in the agricultural and rural sectors, as well as regional cooperation processes.

Teodoro Miano, Secretary General of CIHEAM, participated in this meeting and expressed his support for the regional cooperation approach and the reforms proposed during this gathering. He also emphasized the importance of aligning the agricultural policies of candidate countries with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the European Union.

In his speech, he highlighted the fact that the Mediterranean region, situated at the crossroads of Europe, Africa, and Asia, has always been a fertile ground for cultural, human, and scientific exchanges. However, he warned of the growing challenges the region faces, particularly climate change, which affects agriculture, fisheries, and fragile ecosystems, as well as the scarcity of water resources. He also reiterated the commitment of the CIHEAM in supporting the transition to sustainable food systems through continuous training, research, and knowledge transfer.

The Ministers and Heads of Delegation present discussed their political commitment to EU integration, particularly through the alignment of agricultural policies with CAP objectives and the strengthening of regional cooperation. They also debated the challenges related to food security, sustainable resource management, and the need to promote inclusive agricultural policies, especially for youth and women in rural areas.

Another highlight of the meeting was the presentation of the "Declaration on Food and Agriculture," discussed during the 60th SWG Assembly Session in Potsdam, Germany. This declaration, which will be adopted by the Ministers and Heads of Delegation responsible for Agriculture and Rural Development in the Western Balkans, represents a crucial step towards formalising cooperation among the countries of the region in the framework of the Berlin Process.

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