On October 8, the city of Tartu, Estonia, hosted a regional meeting of agricultural and food producer organizations, attended by representatives from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania. The Chamber of Agriculture of Lithuania was represented by its President, Dr. Arūnas Svitojus, and Director, Sigitas Dimaitis. The aim of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation, align national positions, and amplify the voice of Eastern EU countries regarding future EU decisions in agriculture and rural development.
The meeting was opened by the Estonian Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture, Hendrik Johannes Terras, who emphasized that current challenges – from climate change to geopolitical threats – require adequate financial resources to keep European agriculture resilient.
Common Threats – A Common Response
Much attention was given to the security situation in countries bordering the EU’s eastern frontier. Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, located near an active war zone, face heightened economic and hybrid threats. Therefore, ensuring the vitality of agriculture, rural life, and food production in these regions has become a strategic EU security priority.
A Rural Resilience Package for the Eastern Border Is Needed
Participating organizations highlighted the need for the EU to establish a dedicated financial support instrument – the Eastern Border Rural Resilience Package, aimed at strengthening rural livelihoods, bioeconomy, and sustaining agricultural activities in these vulnerable frontier regions.
Dr. Arūnas Svitojus Emphasizes the Strategic Role of Agriculture
Dr. Arūnas Svitojus, President of the Chamber of Agriculture of Lithuania, underscored the importance of agriculture and rural development for the entire continent: “The Lithuanian Chamber of Agriculture maintains broad communication with EU countries – this is not limited to isolated contacts, but represents ongoing and consistent cooperation, joint problem-solving, and united action to achieve tangible results.”
According to Dr. Svitojus, such meetings reflect a shared commitment among countries not only on financial matters, but also on deeper values – food security, fairness for farmers, and EU resilience.
Joint Declaration by the Baltic and Nordic Countries
At the conclusion of the meeting, a joint declaration was signed by the four countries, emphasizing the following key points:
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Agriculture and food security are integral to Europe’s overall security
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A dedicated support package is needed for EU countries on the eastern border
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The Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) must remain independent, strong, and well-funded
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Direct payments must be fair across all EU Member States
Unity in Europe Is Not Just a Slogan – It Is a Necessity
Elli Tsiforou, Secretary General of Copa-Cogeca, reminded participants that a unified agricultural sector is the foundation of a sustainable CAP. Representatives of the European Commission confirmed that rural resilience and food security are rising priorities on the EU’s political agenda.
The declaration was signed by representatives from Estonia, Latvia, Finland, and Lithuania.
“This meeting in Tartu was not just a formal event. It was a clear signal to Brussels that the voice of Eastern EU countries must be heard and acknowledged. Unified action and joint declarations show that the agricultural sector is ready to take an active role in shaping the future of the EU,”
said Dr. Arūnas Svitojus.