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R. Takáč also wants to exert pressure on the European Commission through bilateral negotiations with EU agriculture ministers

by AI | 28.Oct 2025 | Europe in brief AI

Minister of Agriculture of the Slovak Republic Richard Takáč met in Luxembourg at the EU Council with several ministers in an effort to put pressure on the European Commission to better protect the interests of farmers.

Minister of Agriculture of the Slovak Republic Richard Takáč at the EU Council in Luxembourg on the need to exert pressure on the European Commission for better protection of farmers. PHOTO: TASR - Jaromír Novak

Bratislava – Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Slovak Republic Richard Takáč (Smer-SD) continues a series of bilateral talks with the agriculture ministers of EU member states. The Communication Department of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MPRV) of the Slovak Republic announced that the aim is a joint approach of member states in applying pressure on the European Commission to prepare a fair agricultural policy, TASR reports.

The main topic of the discussions held during Monday’s meeting of the EU Council for Agriculture and Fisheries in Luxembourg is the proposal for a new multiannual financial framework and the future shape of the Common Agricultural Policy after 2027, which has a fundamental impact on both European and Slovak agriculture.

Richard Takáč met with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries of Croatia, David Vlajčič, the Austrian Minister of Agriculture and Climate Protection Norbert Totschnig, the Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Maria Panayiotou, the Estonian Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hendrik Johannes Terras, and the Minister of Agriculture of Latvia Armands Krauze.

He added that partners from Hungary and Romania called on the European Commission for better protection of farmers against imports of agricultural commodities from Ukraine, emphasizing the need to create a compensation fund for farmers, similar to what the EU plans for the trade agreement with Mercosur.

Takáč warned his ministerial partners that the current proposals from the European Commission are aimed at reducing the budget for agriculture and changing the settings of the Common Agricultural Policy, which would mean a significant weakening of competitiveness for Slovakia and possible liquidation of many farms.

“We cannot agree to a proposal that would jeopardize Slovakia’s food self-sufficiency and reduce support for honest farmers. If agriculture is to fulfill its economic and ecological goals, it must have stable and fair financing,” said Takáč.

The aim of his negotiations is a joint approach of member states in explaining and pressuring the European Commission to prepare a realistic, financially sustainable, and fair proposal for future agri-policy.

“Slovakia advocates that honest farmers, food producers, foresters, and rural areas deserve fair conditions. We must collectively create pressure on the European Commission to take into account the needs of real people who provide food for Europe every day,” emphasized Takáč. He also appreciated the constructive approach of partners from several member countries who support the joint search for solutions and the creation of a coalition of states advocating for a realistic and fair agricultural policy.

According to him, the proposals of the Slovak Republic at the EU level, which “are always in favor of farmers,” have the support and respect of partners. (October 28)

“We cannot agree to a proposal that would jeopardize Slovakia’s food self-sufficiency and reduce support for honest farmers.” Richard Takáč