19
Sep
2024
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Droughts and extreme weather events as a threat to local communities and EU agriculture in times of climate change (debate)
Mr President, ladies and gentlemen, our farmers are almost 9 million women and men who work tirelessly to ensure our food autonomy. They play a key role in spatial planning and are the frontline partners in the face of climate change. They sometimes face unfair competition, but also rising energy prices and difficulties in accessing liquidity. They are the first victims of climate change, especially drought. It is therefore necessary, at EU level, to pay attention to the quantitative management of water and to deal with this problem. In this context, how can we not hear the cries of alarm that they sent out to us, particularly in June, during the last elections? Yes, the recent measures taken by the Commission are a step in the right direction. Yes, the recent measures make it possible to facilitate, simplify and find solutions quickly, especially in terms of liquidity. As we know, these extreme events, such as drought, will increase in the future. This is why the urgency is to guarantee our farmers a decent income, a fair recognition of the efforts made to preserve our environment and fair competition rules.