The Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, Rodrigo Oliveira, participates in the meeting of the Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) of the Committee of Regions, which will discuss, among other topics, aquaculture in Europe. The event will take place in Vila Nova de Gaia on June 19.

This meeting is intended to debate and approve the report on "The future of European aquaculture" and promote the exchange of views about the reports on the simplification of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the "Innovation and modernisation of rural economy."

The seminar on "Innovation and modernisation of the rural economy" will be organised in the context of this initiative next Thursday, June 18. João Monteiro (company Easy Fruits & Salads) was appointed by the Regional Government to participate in the event.

The Azorean entrepreneur will present the entrepreneurial example of this company in the context of the modernisation of rural economies in European regions.

The programme of the seminar is divided into three sessions. The first session will address the contribution of the rural development policy for the modernisation of the rural economy, while the second will discuss smart rural areas under the European regional policy. In turn, the third session, where the Azorean young entrepreneur will participate, will focus on the skills needed for employment in rural and remote areas.

The Autonomous Region of the Azores holds a seat at the Committee of the Regions since its inception. Currently, it is represented by the President of the Government, Vasco Cordeiro, as full member, and the Regional Under Secretary of the Presidency for External Relations, Rodrigo Oliveira, as an alternate member.

The Commission for Natural Resources (NAT) is one of six commissions of the Committee of Regions. It is responsible for coordinating the work of this body in rural development and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), fisheries and maritime policy, consumer protection, forestry and tourism.

The Committee of the Regions is an advisory body of the European institutions representing EU regional and local bodies. It currently comprises 353 members from 28 Member States.