European Congress
on Renewal and Rural Development

In the heart of Wielkopolska, during the European Congress for Rural Renewal and Development in Poznań, we are discussing how to shape the future of European agriculture together.

Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development:

Today is a special symbolic day because it is held on 9 May – the Europe Day. This is a unique moment that makes us both reflect on the past and talk about the future of European rural areas.

Christophe Hansen, EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food:

Today, we are in the heart of the Polish agricultural sector and for me personally it was extremely important to meet my friends here. Maybe I am the only Commissioner who spends the Europe Day outside his country of origin, but it was so important for me to spend it right here, where important representatives of the agricultural sector are meeting today. In a spirit of cooperation, we want to determine the objectives and a path toward a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future for rural areas all over the continent. Today, on the Europe Day, we are celebrating our unity, our values and our common efforts to build a better future.

Second Polish Presidency of the EU

Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development:

The second Polish Presidency in the EU takes place during an important moment for the whole EU. On 16 February, Commissioner Christophe Hansen presented the “Vision for agriculture and food”. This document indicates potential scenarios for the development of European agriculture in the coming years and opens the room for a deep, substantive discussion.

About Europe in Poznań

Christophe Hansen – EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food:

Diversity is a power that we must use since rural areas are not homogeneous and should not be treated as such. They differ in terms of geography, culture, traditions, as well as socio-economic conditions. We must remember that agriculture and rural areas in each Member State have their own specific nature. That is why it is so important that our political vision considers a territorial approach and responds to local needs.

Czesław Siekierski, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development:

From the perspective of 21 years, we can see how well Polish farmers made use of the opportunity provided to them by the Common Agricultural Policy, and what position – in spite of many difficulties – Polish agriculture has gained during this time not only in Europe, but all over the world. Poland’s accession to the European Union resulted in truly significant changes in the development of Polish agriculture, the economic condition of farms and the living conditions of the rural population. But the Europe Day is not just a moment to recapitulate the existing achievements. First of all, this is the time to talk about the future. About the countryside and agriculture we want after 2027.