EU Ministers ask for measures to face drought

Agriculture Ministers of eight EU Mediterranean countries have decided to present to the European Commission a common proposal seeking action for drought striken countries.
The Ministers, who met Sunday in Nicosia for the EU Mediterranean Ministerial Meeting entitled “EU Mediterranean Agriculture and New Challenges”, discussed issues concerning problems caused by drought, as well as the ongoing review of the Common Agriculture Policy in the fields of fruit and vegetables and the wine sector, Euro-Mediterranean relations and negotiations at the World Trade Organisation.
Agriculture Ministers of Cyprus, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Slovenia met in Cyprus to ascertain the common problems and concerns as regards the proposed amendments of the EU in the Mediterranean products and determining common positions for the future of the EU agricultural policy.
In statements after the meeting, Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and the Environment Fotis Fotiou noted that the EU “has the obligation to support the countries affected by drought especially during this period”.
Fotiou said that Agriculture Ministers examined the impact which drought has on various fields of agricultural production and stock farming, and added that upon Cyprus’ proposal they decided to prepare a paper to the European Commission calling for action so that the affected countries are supported with various measures.
“Our proposal regarding drought is to submit to the European Commission a common proposal, urging the Commission to undertake a role in promoting certain measures, to support those countries that are being affected by the consequences of drought. I think that it is an obligation of the EU to support these countries, especially during this period and in view of the other problems faced by the agricultural sector”, he said.
In the final conclusions of the meeting, it is stated that the Ministers ackonwledging that drought is a common concern that very often seriously affects their agriculture sector would welcome further initiatives by the European Commission towards this direction.
Referring to Cyprus, the Cypriot Minister pointed out that “drought is a serious and major problem” and added that in a few days he will announce measures which aim to ease the problem.
Fotiou said that Agriculture Ministers decided to meet regularly and discuss problems of mutual concern and to strengthen their cooperation with a view to face common problems.
Their next meeting will take place in Portugal in a few months.