On this Europe Day, the farming community reiterates its commitment to the common policies of the EU. Since its creation, the EU has made it possible to build a prosperous and peaceful Europe by giving its farmers and cooperatives a robust and structured framework. This year also marks the 60 years of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP); we should also celebrate this key policy today.
In times of major sanitary, energy and climate crisis and with war at our borders, we need to focus on producing sufficient volumes of food in a sustainable way. More than ever, the objectives of the CAP clearly stressed in the Treaty of the European Union are fundamental and still very valid and relevant today.
Copa President, Christiane Lambert declared, “The last few months have been a reminder of the geostrategic importance of the agricultural and agri-food sectors. European farmers know and are convinced that in this new geopolitical context, the European Union remains our best chance and the right structure for global negotiations. We also support the principles of the Green Deal because we are convinced that there is a way to produce better and more sustainably, thanks to research and innovation. That is why we celebrate this special day as
convinced Europeans.”
Cogeca President, Ramon Armengol joined the celebration of Europe Day with the focus on the importance of cooperation, “Just like it is the case for Europe, the success of agri-cooperatives also lies in the power of bringing people together. The importance of cooperation for the future of Europe is also the same importance for the future development of its agri-food sector. European agri-cooperatives embody many of the most important European values and will continue to be one of the key actors on the ground for achieving its future ambitions.”
Copa and Cogeca also welcome the Conference on the Future of Europe, despite the lack of clear reference from the key speakers on the question of food security; which the war in Ukraine has put under spotlight once again. The importance of preserving and advancing the EU’s democratic structures and fostering the spirit of unity, is today, more important than ever. A stronger Europe will only be achieved if there is a possibility to involve its citizens, including its farmers.
O artigo foi publicado originalmente em COPA COGECA.
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