The future of rural regions in the EU was the theme of an informal meeting of the EU Agriculture Ministers which was held in Mainz as part of the German EU Council Presidency.

During the discussions, it became clear that the Common Agricultural Policy is important for the future of the rural regions.

Commenting on the importance of structural funds and cohesion policy, Minister George Pullicino said that the growing diversity of national circumstances indicate that more room for national flexibility in addressing inequalities could result in more sustainable regional development strategies. The redirection of EU funds towards competitiveness and regional development should see a re-dimensioned CAP as the future backbone for livelihood and sustainability of rural regions in line with the Lisbon and Gothenburg Strategies.

The ministers agreed on the need of a raft of measures which go far beyond merely promoting the agricultural sector. “There must be more rapid development of all aspects of rural areas,” emphasised German Minister Seehofer.

There was also consensus that the 2003 agricultural reform has given farmers new scope for tailoring production to market requirements. It was agreed that this would provide a solid basis for developing the European agricultural model further and for securing it beyond 2013.

Another subject which was repeatedly addressed during the Informal Agriculture Council was the reform of the EU market organisation for wine. The EU Commission provided the Member States and the EU Parliament with the first key points for discussion last year. The EU Commission will present the specific reform proposals next July.