Producer organizations from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Finland met in Brussels on 21 April to discuss the future of EU agricultural policy, as well as agricultural policy in the Baltic States and Finland, food security and competitiveness. The meeting was hosted by MEP Riho Terras (Estonia), MEP Sandra Kalniete (Latvia) and MEP Pekka Toveri (Finland). Participants also included CAP rapporteur MEP Norbert Lins, NRPP rapporteur MEP Elsi Katainen, and Catherine Geslain‑Lanéelle, Director for Strategy and Policy Analysis at the European Commission’s Directorate‑General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI).

Strengthening the Baltic and Finnish Voice in EU Decision‑Making

The aim of the meeting was to enable direct dialogue between the leadership of agricultural organisations and EU decision‑makers, and to highlight the specific geopolitical, structural and climatic challenges faced by the Baltic States and Finland. Although the region plays a significant role in EU food security, northern climatic conditions, insufficient production investments, and particularly in the Baltic States, differences in support levels weaken the region’s competitiveness. Volatility in agricultural income has also increased over time in the region.

Representatives of farmers’ organisations emphasised that amid growing global geopolitical tensions, climate risks and market pressures, EU policy must better take regional differences into account rather than rely on one‑size‑fits‑all solutions. Farms and food production in the Baltic and northern regions are particularly vulnerable to cuts in agricultural support.

Joint Baltic–Finnish Statement

At the conclusion of the meeting, a joint statement entitled “Baltic–Finnish Declaration on Agriculture, Food Security and Competitiveness” was adopted, outlining the region’s shared demands and priorities. Participants agreed that closer regional cooperation and a strong Baltic–Finnish voice at EU level are essential to ensure that future EU policies safeguard food security, sustainable production and farmers’ livelihoods in Northern Europe.

For more information: 

Johan Åberg

Director of Agriculture

+358 20 413 2415

+358 40 523 3864

Hanna Leiponen-Syyrakki

Director, Brussels Office

+358 40 094 7633

+32 47 650 2704