According to a press release, the Minister welcomed the partial general approach reached on the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the 2028–2034 period, stressing the importance of a strong policy that responds to farmers’ needs while providing Member States with the necessary flexibility.

He also underlined the need to ensure fair treatment for smaller Member States, simplify procedures, reduce bureaucracy and provide adequate EU funding. He further highlighted the importance of generational renewal and support for farmers approaching retirement.

During discussions on agricultural trade-related issues, Senekis stressed that EU trade agreements must translate into new export opportunities and tangible benefits for producers. He also pointed to the need to improve access to information for producers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) about markets in third countries, while highlighting the challenges Cyprus faces because of its geographical location and higher transport costs.

In fisheries, the Council reached a political agreement on Monday on fishing opportunities in the Baltic Sea for 2027. Discussions also highlighted the need to simplify EU rules, apply control requirements proportionately and provide targeted funding to modernise the fishing fleet and develop aquaculture.

Finally, Ministers prepared the EU’s position ahead of the annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), scheduled to take place in Vilamoura, Portugal, from 16 to 23 November.

Senekis stressed the importance of effectively tackling illegal fishing, protecting the EU’s legitimate fishing rights and ensuring the sustainable management of fish stocks.