Press Releases

Ladies and gentlemen,

The MED9 Ministerial Meeting of the nine Mediterranean member states of the European Union (EU) has concluded.

I would like to thank my fellow Ministers for accepting the invitation to be here today to discuss the serious issue of water scarcity within a productive framework and in a constructive spirit of mutual understanding, with the shared aim of ensuring sustainable water management in the Mediterranean region.

I will now read the joint statement that we have all agreed upon.

Ladies and gentlemen,

Today, at a crucial time when we are at the imminent formation of the new Commission as well as at the beginning of the debate on the new form the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the new EU economic framework should take, nine member states, nine Mediterranean states are taking a significant step towards addressing the crucial issue of water scarcity. We no longer dwell solely on diagnosis, but we are determined to ensure sustainable water management in the Mediterranean region.

I would like to thank my counterparts for the spirit of cooperation and our commitment to the common goal of addressing the challenges that threaten the primary sector as a consequence of the ongoing drought in the Mediterranean basin.

Over the course of these two days, we have assessed the impact of water scarcity on agriculture and reaffirmed our commitment to addressing the key challenges in the Mediterranean region related to this issue, through the Joint Declaration that is currently being issued.

This MED9 Declaration will constitute our collective position for the future EU policy on a holistic approach to water management.

This statement will be submitted to the EU MED9 Heads of State Summit to be held in Cyprus next October. It will also be presented to the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Brussels on 23^rd of September.

Dear all,

The Mediterranean is faced with unpreceded challenges due to climate change, with water scarcity directly impacting agriculture, food security and economic stability. Cyprus, as a member state, has been intensely affected by these in recent years.

Nonetheless, no state can tackle these challenges single-handedly. Collective action and decisive support from the family in which we belong, the EU, is needed. Financial support for our countries and our farmers is needed, so that we can acquire the necessary infrastructure. This is a common demand that all nine of us claim, as the problem is already here and we need to act before it gets worse. Certainly, the CAP cannot cover all the needs and infrastructure we need right now to adapt to the new climatic conditions. The financial support of the state to ensure the sustainability of our farmers is not inexhaustible, so we need new measures which can satisfy the support of farmers in crises like the one we are facing.

Today’s meeting and our Joint Declaration reflect our determination to act promptly and in solidarity. Unity in the face of challenges is not simply a catchphrase, but the driving force towards more impactful and resilient action.

Through coordinated policy interventions, innovation and regional cooperation, we can achieve sustainable water management, safeguarding agriculture productivity and the rural economy for future generations.

Dear colleagues,

Thank you very much for your cooperation and your presence here, in Cyprus. I am confident that collectively we can accomplish substantial advances in the rational management of this natural resource, water, and shape a sustainable future for the Mediterranean.

Cyprus will remain an active participant in the discussions, striving to shape a resilient and sustainable future for our region.

United we can support our farmers and provide security and prosperity for the citizens of the European Union.

Thank you.

(EFys/IA/AP/GS)