Belgrade today hosts the 20th meeting of Southeast Europe’s agriculture ministers

Belgrade is today hosting the 20th annual meeting of the agriculture ministers of Southeast Europe, Serbia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management announced. The meeting is jointly organized by the Serbian ministry and the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South Eastern Europe (SWG), as Agro TV reports.

Ministers and heads of delegations from across the Southeast Europe region are taking part in the meeting, where they will hold high-level talks on the future of agriculture and rural development. Participants will also review current and future activities of regional cooperation in this sector.

This year’s agenda focuses on progress regarding the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), the IPARD programme and European integration. Possible strategic partnerships to improve practices and raise capacities will also be discussed, with particular attention to confronting climate change and fire risks in the Western Balkans, as well as an overview of regional cooperation in the agri-food sector within the SWG framework.

The meeting will also examine the increasingly important role of the Berlin Process and regional political dialogue in fostering policy alignment in agriculture and rural development in Southeast Europe.

Official speeches will be delivered by ministers and heads of delegations from Southeast Europe and the European Union, as well as representatives of international organizations. The meeting is also an opportunity for bilateral ministerial meetings, and the event will conclude with the adoption of the ministers’ joint conclusions, according to the ministry’s announcement.