EU Commissioner discusses agricultural sovereignty in meetings in Italy

On March 24, 2025, European Union Commissioner Christophe Hansen visited Rome, Italy, as part of a series of meetings focused on agricultural issues. During his visit, he met with Francesco Lollobrigida, who serves as the Minister for Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests of Italy, to discuss key challenges and opportunities in the agriculture sector. Hansen's agenda included participation in a conference titled 'L’agricoltura è', which aimed to address various aspects of agricultural development and sustainability within the European context. Additionally, he paid a visit to Villaggio agricolo, a local agricultural hub, aimed at promoting innovative farming practices and community agriculture. Coinciding with Hansen's visit, he also met with Antonio Tajani, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, to foster cooperation between the EU and Italy on agricultural and foreign affairs. The discussions likely revolved around ensuring food security and increasing the sustainability of agricultural practices across Europe. This visit highlights the importance of collaboration between EU institutions and member states to address the pressing needs of the agricultural sector. The meetings signal a commitment to understanding local challenges while formulating EU policies that can support farmers in Italy and beyond. Furthermore, this engagement reflects a broader European strategy that emphasizes the need for sustainable agricultural practices and highlights the role of EU institutions in supporting local governments to respond effectively to challenges such as climate change, market volatility, and food supply concerns. As Hansen wraps up his trip, it is clear that his discussions will inform future EU policies aimed at strengthening the agricultural sector, ultimately benefiting producers and consumers alike. The outcomes from the meetings will likely have lasting implications on Italy’s agricultural policy framework and the broader EU legislative agenda. Overall, Commissioner Hansen's visit to Rome serves as a pivotal moment in reinforcing Italy's agricultural policies through EU support while also promoting conversations around innovative ways to ensure food sovereignty and tackle issues arising from global agricultural trends.