A new edition of “Coffee with Ambassadors” took place yesterday at Europe House Strumica, this time focusing on “Agriculture and Rural Development”, with the participation of H.E. Petra Drexler, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, and H.E. Özlem Canel, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Bringing together farmers, academics and representatives of civil society from the region, the event opened a discussion on the role of agriculture in today’s European economies, the experiences of Germany and the Netherlands, and the opportunities European integration can bring to farmers and rural communities in North Macedonia.
As one of the country’s key agricultural regions, Strumica was a natural setting for a conversation about a sector that is not only an economic activity, but also an important part of local identity, tradition and everyday life.
A particular focus of the discussion was the European Union’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and what it means for farmers in practice. Participants explored how European agricultural policies shape production, support for farmers, environmental standards and the development of rural communities, as well as what joining this system could mean for small and medium-sized agricultural producers in North Macedonia.
The ambassadors shared Germany’s and the Netherlands’ experiences in addressing one of the key challenges facing modern agriculture: how to maintain high productivity while protecting soil, water, biodiversity and the environment.
The conversation also addressed the challenges of sustainable agriculture and climate change, and the need to adapt to changing conditions without compromising competitiveness. Innovation and the future of agriculture were also high on the agenda. Participants discussed experiences with precision farming, greenhouse technologies, digitalisation, research and agricultural cooperatives as approaches that can contribute to greater efficiency and more sustainable production.
Particular attention was given to the potential of the Strumica region, which benefits from fertile soil, a strong tradition of vegetable production and good access to regional markets. The discussion highlighted the importance of building on these strengths through greater access to knowledge and technology, stronger cooperation and better use of European development opportunities.
Drawing on the experiences of Germany and the Netherlands, participants had the opportunity to hear how European policies are put into practice, and what opportunities, changes and responsibilities they bring for farmers and rural communities. The event concluded with a discussion on the future of agriculture in North Macedonia, focusing on innovation, sustainable practices, better organisation and the use of European support instruments.
“Coffee with Ambassadors” is part of Europe House’s activities aimed at creating space for dialogue on European policies, experiences and values, and their practical relevance for citizens and local communities across North Macedonia.
