Romania has obtained the position of Vice-President of the COPA-COGECA Research and Innovation Working Party, one of the most influential organisations representing farmers and agricultural cooperatives in the European Union, the Alliance for Agriculture and Cooperation (AAC) announced on Wednesday.

Romania, represented by the AAC, nominated Radu Mihailov, President of the BIO Top Romania Cooperative, for the post. Mihailov received 75 votes, the highest number cast.

‘With the election of Radu Mihailov as Vice-President of the COPA-COGECA Research and Innovation Working Party, the Alliance for Agriculture and Cooperation strengthens its position within COPA-COGECA, now holding one vice-presidency representing Romanian agricultural cooperatives at COGECA and three vice-presidencies within COPA-COGECA working groups: Direct Payments – Liliana Piron (LAPAR), Cereals, Oilseeds and Protein Crops – Alexandru Tachianu (PRO AGRO), and Research and Innovation – Radu Mihailov (UNCSV),’ the AAC mentioned in a press release.

The AAC was represented at the Brussels meeting of the Research and Innovation Working Party on 28 October 2025 by Radu Mihailov and Florentin Bercu. The session included a roundtable discussion on the current state of the Horizon Europe programme and the European Competitiveness Fund, attended by Orsolya Frizon-Somogy, Deputy Head of Unit, DG AGRI F.2 – Research and Innovation.

‘It is a great honour and opportunity to represent Romania in COPA and COGECA during the leadership elections of the research working party. A diverse working group adds value for all members by bringing fresh perspectives, practical experience and authentic European cohesion. Our common mission is to turn knowledge into competitiveness, cooperation into collective strength and social responsibility into long-term sustainability. European farmers and cooperatives – regardless of size or region – must have fair and equal access to research, innovation and funding. I am a team player, ready to engage in dialogue, collaboration, goal-setting and mutual support,’ Mihailov is quoted in the release as saying.

He added that under the current CAP framework, European farmers’ competitiveness depends on their ability to cooperate and to link research, knowledge and practice within a dynamic and functional ecosystem.

In this context, the new Vice-President advocated for the continued promotion of a multi-actor approach and efficient knowledge exchange among member states, ensuring that research results are effectively translated into practical applications on farms. AGERPRES (RO – writing by: Mariana Nica; EN – writing by: Adina Panaitescu)