On 17 June 2026, the Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South-East Europe (SWG) convened a Regional Experts Meeting in Halle (Saale), Germany, bringing together agricultural policy experts, researchers and institutional representatives from the Western Balkans and Moldova.
The meeting focused on two strategic priorities for the region: generational renewal in agriculture and rural areas and agricultural policy monitoring and development in the context of EU integration.
The first part of the meeting was dedicated to the establishment of a Regional Working Group (Task Force) on Generational Renewal in Agriculture and Rural Development. Participants discussed the growing challenges associated with ageing farming populations, rural depopulation, farm succession and the limited involvement of young people in agriculture. Experts presented a draft concept for a regional platform that will support evidence-based analysis, stakeholder engagement and policy recommendations aimed at improving conditions for young farmers and strengthening the long-term sustainability of rural communities across South-East Europe.
The discussion highlighted the importance of addressing structural, economic and institutional barriers to generational renewal, while promoting innovation, knowledge transfer and attractive opportunities for rural youth. Participants exchanged views on future activities, including stakeholder consultations, focus group discussions, national analyses and the preparation of strategic guidance documents and policy recommendations.
The second part of the meeting was organized within the framework of the Regional Expert Working Group (REAWG) on Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Development. Participants reviewed progress in the implementation of the Agricultural Policy Monitoring and Evaluation framework (APMC), the Agricultural Policy Index (API) and the regional StatDatabase. National experts presented updates on data collection, policy monitoring activities and preparation of national analytical reports.
Particular attention was given to agricultural policy coherence, institutional reforms and the ongoing alignment of agricultural policies with European Union requirements. Discussions emphasized the importance of reliable data, evidence-based policy analysis and strong institutional capacities in supporting the EU accession process and future implementation of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).
The programme also included a session on the European Food Security Crisis Preparedness and Response Mechanism (EFSCM), providing participants with insights into European approaches to food security monitoring, crisis preparedness and resilience-building in agri-food systems.
The meeting reaffirmed the importance of regional cooperation, knowledge exchange and evidence-based policymaking in addressing the common challenges facing agriculture and rural areas in South-East Europe.
This activity was organized by Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South-East Europe (SWG) within the framework of the Agricultural Policy Dialogue South-East Europe (APD SEE), supported by the German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Regional Identity (BMLEH). Through APD SEE, SWG continues to facilitate regional dialogue, strengthen analytical capacities and support agricultural policy reforms in line with EU integration objectives.
