The chairman of the Committee on Tourism, Agriculture, Ecology and Spatial planning, Mr. Predrag Sekulić, PhD, and the Deputy Chairwoman of the Committee, Ms. Jelisava Kalezić, prof. PhD, participated in the meeting of chairmen of committees on agriculture and fisheries of the member states of the European Union and the European Parliament, which was held on 11th March in Dublin.

The topics of the meeting included the future of the Common Agricultural Policy and Common Fisheries Policy, as well as strategies of support for young farmers.

European Commissioner for agriculture and rural development, Mr. Dacian Ciolos, presented the key elements of the proposal of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy. The results of the public debate on the direction of the Common Agricultural Policy have shown that the reform should be focused on safety regarding food, innovation and research in order to increase the competitiveness of the European products, a more fair distribution of support, simplification of administrative procedures, protection of the environment and biodiversity. Apart from that, the reform should help with fighting climate change and resolving the problems of the economic crisis and price volatility.

Ms. Maria Damanaki, the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, spoke on the need to reform the Common Fisheries Policy. She said that the new policy on fisheries is aimed at providing a long-term stable supply of safe food to the citizens of the European Union. Its goals are prosperity in the sector of fisheries, and, through support for creation of new job opportunities, development of coastal areas. At the same time, the responsibility of the industry for the good management of the seas should be encouraged.

The meeting was organised within the parliamentary dimension of the Irish presidency over the Council of the European Union.