Speaking at the EUROMED Conference in Venice today, Franz Fischler, EU Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, underlined that Mediterranean regions share certain similar challenges. “A united approach, that crosses the superficial borders, will undoubtedly play an important role in shaping rural sustainability in this area. I think that today's conference has shown that we have to reinforce existing partnerships, and develop new openings. The 2010 target set by the Barcelona process for full trade liberalisation between the EU and our Mediterranean neighbours should be well within our reach. Agriculture is an important element of regional integration in the context of the Barcelona process. I believe in stronger agricultural ties with our Mediterranean partners, and the creation of a common platform for certain aspects of our agricultural policy will contribute to achieving this goal”.

Mr Fischler stressed that the final target would be to fulfil the objectives of peaceful co-operation and development to the benefit of all the people in the Mediterranean region, as defined by the Barcelona process. “This means ensuring that economic and social development does not come at the cost of the common heritage of a region which is one of the birthplaces of human society and agriculture. It also means a sustainable future in which to develop, and deepen relations with our Southern European partners. The new, reformed Common Agricultural Policy is driven by consumer demand and environmental awareness down the road to sustainability. And we are also looking to reinforce cross-border collaboration and steer a wider rural Europe in the same direction”, he said.

The Commissioner identified the exchange of knowledge and know-how and organic farming as two concrete fields for strengthened co-operation between the EU and the Mediterranean countries. “We should build a platform on which to consolidate our common aims in the fields of rural development and quality production. One way of doing this is to create a forum for the exchange of knowledge and know-how. We could also envisage to strengthen our ties regarding organic production. The demand for niche production in place of mass production is a phenomenon that is spreading well beyond our borders, and countries such as those in the Southern Mediterranean, are well placed to benefit from a natural competitive advantage. The EU applies high standards to our own produce, we also expect the same of imports. Only Israel has so far had its organic scheme approved by the EU, but I would encourage other countries who could also export to the EU to upgrade their standards in this respect as well”, Mr Fischler concluded.