Agriculture plays a central role in both European and Mediterranean countries and in their relationship. In the 27 EU Member States, 56% of the population live in rural areas and they represent 91% of its territory, so it is evident that rural development is a subject of vital importance.

We are also equipped with an effective rural development policy which aims at improving the competitiveness in agriculture and forestry, in environmental issues, in quality of life in rural areas and diversification of the rural economy. To ensure a balanced approach, Member States and Regions are required to allocate their funding to rural development between the three thematic axes.

The development of this sector, often in desert areas and extreme poverty, is an irreplaceable tool for the improvement of living conditions. This aspect would also mean a substantial reduction of migration to the affluent society.

Assuring a more sustainable agriculture in Europe, we will enable future generations to benefit from the unique environmental heritage of natural resources of Europe to the same extent that we use ourselves today.

Increasing exchanges in this sector and transmitting our management and technological knowledge, we will contribute to make agriculture a true and lasting resource in the Mediterranean countries.