Nicosia, Cyprus. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos on Wednesday presented the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU on Cohesion Policy to the European Parliament Committee on Regional Development. He said geography should not determine opportunities.
Focus on agriculture and livestock within Cohesion Policy
Keravnos said agriculture and livestock farming must remain a key element of Cohesion Policy, linking the sectors to the food chain, health, human protection, environmental protection, industrial production, exports, and prosperity.
Foot and mouth disease impact cited
Closing the meeting, Keravnos referred to a foot and mouth disease crisis currently affecting Cyprus, saying the disease had appeared in sheep, goats, and cows and that thousands of animals must be culled. He said farmers and livestock breeders had seen their properties, work, and incomes destroyed.
Concerns for processing and exports
Keravnos said there would be a serious problem with processing due to a lack of raw material for cheese producers and for exports. He noted that a significant export product of Cyprus is Cypriot halloumi cheese and warned of serious implications for some industries in milk and yoghurt.
Balanced development and regional considerations
He said the issue should be addressed within the framework of balanced development, referring to regions, remote areas, and island policy.
EU resilience and strategic autonomy
Keravnos stressed strengthening the internal resilience of the European Union and promoting strategic autonomy as primary goals. He said that for more than four decades, Cohesion Policy has been the Union’s main investment policy and a cornerstone of the Single Market.
How do you think Cohesion Policy should address the needs of remote regions and island areas?
