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Agricultural Policy Dialogue Germany – South East Europe

Strengthening Regional Dialogue on EU Accession: Second APD Accession Talk Successfully Held

The second edition of the APD Accession Talks was successfully held as a virtual event, bringing together representatives from the Agricultural Policy Dialogue (APD) projects in South East Europe, Ukraine, and Moldova, as well as participants from BMEL, GFA Berlin (General Agent), EU policy experts, and other key stakeholders.

This growing dialogue platform—initiated, coordinated, and moderated by Stanimira Penkova of IAK Agrar Consulting GmbH—serves as a forum for fostering interregional exchange and supporting the EU accession journey of the involved countries.

Building on the momentum of the first edition, this second session focused on the emerging priorities for EU accession, offering valuable insights from each participating region.

The event followed a dynamic format, combining impulse talks on national experiences and challenges with an open discussion. Key themes that emerged included:

  • Alignment of agricultural frameworks with the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), including compliance with EU agricultural and food safety standards
  • Strengthening institutional and administrative capacities, including the development of paying agencies and data-driven administration systems
  • Targeted support for small-scale farmers and rural development
  • Integration of sustainable practices and modernization of the agricultural sector
  • Utilization of pre-accession financial support, including IPARD and related instruments
  • Managing the impacts of market integration and trade
  • Recognizing that political aspects, in addition to technical ones, play a critical role in the accession process
  • And last but not least, enhancing regional cooperation and knowledge sharing as a key driver for progress

This initiative highlights the importance of structured interregional dialogue, peer learning, and cross-country collaboration as essential tools in navigating the complex process of EU integration in the agri-food sector.

The next edition of the APD Accession Talks is already in planning and expected to take place in approximately two months. Participants are encouraged to suggest future topics that reflect the evolving priorities of their respective countries and regions.

12.05.2025