The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Luis Planas, has emphasized the urgency of updating the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) during the Informal Council of Agriculture and Fisheries Ministers of the European Union, held in Nicosia, Cyprus.
Planas argued that the current framework, established in 2013, is inadequate to face contemporary challenges, stating that “this Europe and this world are not the same as ten years ago.”
The minister highlighted the significant advances in fishing sustainability over the last decade, emphasizing the fundamental role of the CFP in resource management through scientific knowledge. In his speech, Planas stressed the need to consider fishing as a key component for food security, advocating for a more comprehensive approach that takes into account the global context.
Furthermore, Planas emphasized Spain’s active participation in the review of the CFP, indicating that more than 20% of contributions come from the country. Additionally, the minister urged for adequate funding in the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework, promoting a strengthened European fund for fishing and aquaculture. In the context of the MedFish4Ever ministerial conference, in which he will also participate, Planas will defend the importance of regional cooperation and the adaptation of the fleet towards more sustainable practices.
Regarding agriculture, Planas also stressed the urgent need to strengthen European risk management instruments, given the growing impact of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, and other disasters.
Planas emphasized that these events are significantly complicating food production. “It is absolutely necessary to take preventive measures, as well as remedial and risk management measures,” he stated. He also welcomed the European Commission’s guidelines for the post-2027 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which include integrating risk management into national plans and proposing new European instruments such as the Unity Safety Net.
Furthermore, the Spanish minister highlighted Spain’s experience in developing agricultural insurance systems, urging the creation of a European reinsurance mechanism to complement existing national systems. Planas suggested improving the effectiveness of European instruments through more efficient use of resources and stressed the importance of ensuring sufficient funding for programs that address crises in the agricultural sector.
