Agriculture Ministers and Heads of Delegations from the Western Balkans adopt joint conclusions on regional priorities
30 September 2026 – Ministers of Agriculture and Heads of Delegations from the Western Balkans gathered in Belgrade for the 20th Annual Working Meeting to discuss priorities for agriculture and rural development, European integration and regional cooperation.
Held as part of the preparatory activities for the 2026 Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit, the meeting brought together representatives of the countries of the Western Balkans, alongside representatives of the European Commission, EU Member States and international and regional organisations.
Discussions focused on progress in aligning agricultural policies with the EU Common Agricultural Policy, strengthening regional cooperation in the agri-food sector and addressing shared challenges affecting agriculture and rural areas. Particular attention was given to climate change and resilience, generational renewal in rural areas, support for young farmers, as well as knowledge, innovation and digitalisation.
Participants also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to facilitate access to markets, improve logistics and transport links and support more resilient and competitive agri-food systems across the region.
The meeting concluded with the adoption of joint ministerial conclusions setting out priorities for further cooperation and action. These include strengthening food safety, veterinary and phytosanitary systems, improving regional preparedness and early-warning mechanisms, advancing climate adaptation and sustainable management of natural resources, and strengthening knowledge, innovation and digitalisation in agriculture.
The conclusions also underline the importance of generational renewal in rural areas and improved access for young farmers, rural entrepreneurs and women to land, finance, investment, knowledge and digital tools.
The meeting also highlighted the role of the SWG Strategy 2026–2030 in strengthening evidence-based approaches, harmonising indicators and supporting innovative and sustainable agriculture across the region. In this context, participants reaffirmed the importance of knowledge, research and innovation, as well as stronger climate-resilient agri-food systems, food security and early-warning mechanisms. The Strategy contributes to wider regional cooperation under the Berlin Process, including efforts to advance the implementation and monitoring of the Green Agenda for the Western Balkans.
The participants welcomed the decision to hold the 27th Agricultural Policy Forum in Serbia in 2027, in the framework of EXPO 2027, where progress in implementing the agreed priorities is expected to be reviewed.
The Meeting was organised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia and the Standing Working Group for Regional Rural Development in South-East Europe (SWG).
The conclusions are accessible here.