EU Agriculture Commissioner Hansen to Visit Bulgaria on October 9-10

Petya Petrova

Agriculture Minister Tahov (L) (BTA Photo/Nikola Uzunov)

Sofia,

30.07.2025 17:29

(BTA)

EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, Christophe Hansen, will visit Bulgaria on October 9 and 10, Agriculture Minister Georgi Tahov said during an informational meeting and discussion. Hansen is expected to take part in a discussion focused on the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) 2028–2034.

Minister Tahov expressed hope that the meeting would contribute to greater clarity, mutual understanding, and the development of solutions that fully reflect the real needs of the agricultural sector.

According to Tahov, ongoing geopolitical instability, economic crises, and environmental challenges have brought the future of the European Union (EU) to the top of every European leader’s agenda.

He emphasized that the CAP is vital not only for Europe’s food security but also for the overall economic development of rural areas. Tahov stated that Bulgaria will continue to advocate for a strong, independent, and simplified CAP, built on two pillars that maintain the balance between economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

In his view, the CAP has been and must remain one of the EU’s leading policies. Its two-pillar structure—supporting both direct payments and long-term rural development—should be preserved to ensure balanced assistance.

Tahov stressed that rural development must not be put at risk but should remain an integral part of the CAP, backed by a dedicated budget. This, he noted, is crucial for the sustainability of agriculture and sustainable food production policies.

The Minister also recalled that Bulgaria and other EU Member States have repeatedly opposed the introduction of national co-financing for direct payment interventions at meetings of the EU Agriculture and Fisheries Council.

Tahov added that support for young farmers and generational renewal must also be a key focus in the next CAP programming period.

/KT/