European Congress
on Renewal and Rural Development

Polish second Presidency of the Council of the European Union comes at a crucial time for the entire Union - a time for debate on the prosperous and sustainable future of European agriculture and the development of rural areas. The European Congress for Rural Renewal and Development provides a platform for strategic dialogue among Europe’s agricultural leaders.

This three-day high-level event, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, brings together agriculture ministers from 15 countries in Poznań. On Europe Day, the Congress was opened by Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

- In-depth discussion on the future of European agriculture and food security is a priority of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU. As Chair of the AGRIFISH Council in February and March, I led an extensive exchange of views between EU agriculture ministers and the European Commission on the Vision. These discussions have continued at technical level, through four dedicated meetings of the Special Committee on Agriculture - said Minister Czesław Siekierski.

A Vision for Agriculture and Food

Among the speakers was EU Commissioner for Agriculture Christophe Hansen, who presented the Vision for Agriculture and Food — a European Commission document first introduced at EU level on 16 February in Brussels. The Vision outlines possible scenarios for the development of European agriculture in the years ahead and sets the stage for in-depth, expert debate.

'The countryside is our culture, our heritage, and at the same time a strong economic sector. One of the objectives of the Common Agricultural Policy is to support investment in rural areas. We want future generations to live in the countryside - but to make that possible, we must provide the right support and conditions' – said the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen.

The Future of Agriculture

Following the presentation of the “Vision for Agriculture and Food”, ministers from selected EU countries attending the Congress were invited to join the discussion: Francesco Lollobrigida, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry of Italy; Maria Panayiotou, Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of Cyprus; Ignas Hofmanas, Minister of Agriculture of Lithuania; Ludmila Catlabuga, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova; Jerry Buttimer T.D., Minister of State for Community Development and Charities of Ireland; and Begoña García Bernal, Secretary of State for Agriculture and Food of Spain.

Rural Development on Europe Day

Today’s event held special symbolic value, as it took place on 9 May — Europe Day. This moment invites both reflection on the past and a forward-looking conversation about the future of Europe’s rural areas. Europe Day reminds us that Poland has been a member of the European Union for 21 years.

'The European Congress for Rural Renewal and Development is precisely what we need to chart a course toward a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for rural areas in the European Union. Today, on Europe Day, we also celebrate our shared values and joint efforts to build a better future for our Union,' emphasised Commissioner Christophe Hansen.

'The themes of the today's event show that rural areas are not just places of agricultural production. They are also places to live, spaces for preserving culture and tradition, and communities. Above all, they are a key part of the identity of our regions, our countries, and the entire European Union. That’s why the programme is so diverse - covering infrastructure and technology, public services, culture, heritage, and civic engagement,' added Minister Siekierski.

About the Event

The goal of the European Congress for Rural Renewal and Development is to present ideas, core values, innovative solutions, best practices, and organisations with outstanding achievements in supporting rural areas and rural development.

The Congress gathers around 1,500 participants, including representatives of ministries responsible for rural development in the 27 EU member states, institutions working on rural development, local governments, NGOs, academia, and leaders from rural communities - with particular attention to women, youth, and sport.

The plenary hall is the central venue for debates on the heritage and future of rural development, featuring more than 100 expert speakers.

The programme also includes around 20 side events - conferences, workshops, panel discussions and meetings with specialists from various fields. A dedicated exhibition showcases the rural areas of the 21st century - modern and liveable, yet faithful to their roots. It is thanks to rural residents - through their energy and passion - that a better future is being built for themselves and their communities.