Informal meetings of Agriculture and Fisheries ministers

These meetings provide a flexible framework for open and in-depth exchanges on strategic issues affecting both sectors, without the constraints of rigid agendas.

By encouraging dialogue, experience-sharing and, where appropriate, field visits, informal AGRIFISH meetings strengthen cooperation among member states and contribute to a shared understanding of how to address future challenges facing European farming and fisheries.

The Informal meeting of EU ministers of Agriculture will focus on agricultural risk management and possible solutions for addressing the growing risks facing the agricultural sector. The discussion will be based on a presentation by World Bank officials of their publication “Solutions for Better Agri-Risk Management in the European Union”.

The Informal Meeting of the EU Ministers of Fisheries will focus on the evaluation of the Common Fisheries Policy. The discussion will be based on the first presentation by Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Dr. Costas Kadis of the evaluation report. EU ministers will have the opportunity to reflect collectively on how the policy has performed over the past decade and how it can continue to respond effectively to the evolving realities of the fisheries sector. 

Agenda highlights

Bringing together EU ministers, the European Commission, the European Parliament and key European organisations, the meeting will provide a strong basis for Ministers and stakeholders to engage in a substantive exchange of views, including on possible avenues for strengthening risk-management tools within the CAP and beyond.

On 3 May 2026, ministers and delegates will participate in a cultural visit to the Kourion Archaeological site, followed by a welcome dinner.

On 4 May, Agriculture Ministers, EU Officials and stakeholders will convene in Lefkosia for the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Agriculture. During the session, the World Bank officials will present the main outcomes of the study “Solutions for Better Agri-Risk Management in the European Union”, followed by an exchange of views among Ministers, the Commissioner for Agriculture, the Chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development of the European Parliament and participating stakeholders. 

The meeting will conclude with the Ministers’ family photo and a press conference featuring the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Maria Panayiotou, and the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Mr. Christophe Hansen.

In parallel, on the morning of 4 May, Fisheries Ministers will visit an aquaculture farm in Lemesos. At noon, they will reconvene in Lefkosia to join the joint programme with the Ministers of Agriculture.

The programme will continue with a guided tour at A. G. Leventis Gallery for Ministers and Head of Delegations, followed by a Wine Master Class: “Cyprus Wine Experience: Indigenous Grapes and Timeless Commandaria”. 

The day will conclude with a formal dinner featuring traditional cuisine and folklore performances, offering participants a distinctive cultural experience of Cyprus’s rural heritage and hospitality.

On 5 May, Fisheries Ministers and EU Officials will convene again in Lefkosia for the Informal Meeting of Ministers for Fisheries. During this session, the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans will present the main outcomes of the evaluation of the Common Fisheries, followed by an exchange of views among Ministers.

The meeting will conclude with the Ministers’ family photo and a press conference featuring the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Maria Panayiotou and the Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Dr Costas Kadis.

Information for journalists

All media representatives must be accredited and have obtained verified badges. Accreditation is available exclusively through the Cyprus EU Presidency accreditation platform.