EU agricultural support sought by Greece and Cyprus

Agricultural leaders in Greece and Cyprus are calling for increased European Union support to address rising production costs and livestock challenges.

In Greece, MP Alexandros Meikopoulos has urged the activation of EU crisis support tools to assist livestock farmers affected by African Swine Fever. He noted that the crisis extends beyond animal losses, causing economic damage through movement restrictions and production halts. He called for the government to clarify its timeline for utilizing EU Regulation 2021/2115 and 1308/2013 to protect sectors like dairy and meat.

In Cyprus, Minister of Agriculture Christos Senekis requested coordinated EU assistance regarding high energy and fertilizer costs during the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels. Discussions also focused on the future of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027. Additionally, Senekis emphasized the importance of linking local agricultural and fishing production with the tourism sector, specifically highlighting the potential of Agia Napa to promote Cypriot gastronomy and tradition to international visitors.