The rising cost of fertilizers, which is putting pressure on the primary sector, along with regional developments, were the main topics discussed during the meeting between the Minister of Rural Development and Food, Margaritis Schinas, and the European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica.

Mr. Schinas highlighted the need for European intervention on fertilizers, noting that they “create problems for both European and Greek agriculture.”

In his statements, he emphasized that key priorities include reforming the payment system, shaping the new Common Agricultural Policy, and tackling animal diseases, pointing out that these “are emerging as a major issue both in our country and across Europe.”

The two sides also discussed developments in the energy sector and their impact on agricultural production, while issues of food security and supply were also addressed in light of international instability.

As Ms. Šuica stated, “energy is a key issue,” as well as “food security and food supply,” and she described the issue of fertilizers as critical, since “prices have skyrocketed.”

She added that “we are trying to find solutions at the European level,” though, as she noted, “this is not easy.”

According to a statement from the ministry, the meeting also examined broader geopolitical developments in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, including the role of Gulf countries in shaping conditions of stability and growth in the region, as well as the challenges arising from developments in key hotspots.

According to the European Commissioner, “we cannot imagine the prosperity and security of the region without the Gulf countries,” highlighting their role in stability and investment in the Middle East.