Minister Stijović meets with EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Aleksandar Stijović held a videoconference call with EU Commissioner for Agriculture Janusz Wojciechowski.

The meeting pointed out that with the continuous work and support of the European Commission, we can strengthen the huge potential of Montenegrin agriculture and rural areas and thus create conditions for sustainable agricultural production. The criteria for all three chapters were discussed, with special emphasis on the new common agricultural policy and enlargement methodology, strengthening the IPARD structure and additional support to agricultural producers.

Commissioner Wojciechowski emphasised the EC's commitment to speed up and finalise the negotiation process with Montenegro, and that the door of DG AGRI is always open for support. He expressed confidence that Minister Stijović will be the first Minister of Agriculture of Montenegro as a member of the European Union.

Minister Stijović thanked the Commissioner for the technical support provided so far regarding the strengthening of administrative capacities, emphasising the commitment of the Government of Montenegro to intensify the negotiation process in order for Montenegro to become the first next member.

Speaking about the changes brought about by the EU's common agricultural policy (CAP) and the new enlargement methodology, Stijović expressed interest in influencing the further course of harmonisation and creation of strategic documents in Montenegro.

Regarding the planned amendments to Protocol 3 of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, the Minister reminded that Montenegro in the process of labeling wines with a "geographical indication", despite the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly slowed down this process, managed to register certain wines, of which the EC was informed, and hopes that Montenegrin wines with a protected designation of origin will be included in the amended Protocol.

"Montenegro is following the new EU legislation and is trying to harmonise the national legislation with the 'acquis communautaire' as much as possible," Stijović pointed out.

The European Commissioner for Agriculture informed the Minister about the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy of the European Union 2021-2027, emphasising that the most important change in the CAP, which is important for both members and candidate countries, is a change in the vision of the future of agriculture, which is in line with the Green Agreement and the Farm to Fork Strategy.

The Commissioner pointed out the intention of the European Union to achieve a target of 25% agricultural land under organic farming in the next 10 years (2020-2030), which is especially important for Montenegrin agriculture, considering the fact that Montenegro has many small agricultural producers.