The Cypriot Presidency planned five formal sessions of the AGRIFISH Council for the first half of 2026; the first session held today is devoted, among others, to analysing the EU’s strategy in the field of the bioeconomy: agriculture, forestry and fisheries, and to the conditions for ensuring EU food security and food sovereignty in the context of the current geopolitical situation.

The plenary debate, with the participation of the Member States’ representatives, is held based on two issues presented by the Cypriot Presidency and concerns the role and methods of strengthening agriculture, fisheries and forestry in the future EU policy.

The most important market barriers, but also the possibilities of income diversification for food producers and foresters, increasing their competitiveness, will be analysed. The agenda also included a discussion on mechanisms shaping the resilience of rural and coastal areas.

The Polish delegation, led by the Minister of Agriculture Stefan Krajewski, will present the position regarding necessary measures to be taken to protect sensitive sectors of the EU agricultural market in the context of trade agreements with third countries. The information presented by the Polish Minister of Agriculture is endorsed by Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.

Also discussions on mackerel stocks in the North-East Atlantic, the difficult situation on the milk market and marketing standards in the poultry sector are planned for today. Information presented in these areas is also endorsed by the Polish delegation.

– The crisis on the European milk market requires a rise in intervention prices, which have remained unchanged for many years. Observing how the costs of production in this sector have risen in the meantime, together with Hungary, Romania and Slovakia, we will once again appeal for bringing these prices into line with reality – announced Minister Stefan Krajewski before leaving for Brussels.