The new Minister of Rural Development and Food Margaritis Schinas, spoke about the challenges facing the ministry during the handover ceremony from outgoing Minister Kostas Tsiaras.
Schinas identified the completion and full implementation of the new payment system, in cooperation with the relevant institutions and the European Commission, as his first and immediate priority.
He outlined the effective management of animal diseases as a second critical priority, with due regard for public health and the aim of supporting Greek livestock farming. He emphasised that coordinated interventions and strengthened controls are needed to combat animal diseases.
Schinas also referred to the need for a comprehensive restructuring of the primary sector, utilising every available national and European tool. As he noted, the timing is favourable, as negotiations are underway for the EU’s new multiannual financial framework for the period 2028–2034, a development that creates opportunities for the country.
He also mentioned the need to revitalise rural Greece, noting that strengthening the primary sector could serve as the basis for reversing the exodus from rural areas, following the example of other European countries.
Schinas also stressed that he does not promise miracles, but he commits to hard work.