The ECR Group in the European Committee of the Regions welcomes the election of Luca Zaia as 1st Vice-President of the Commission for Natural Resources (NAT), the body shaping EU policies on agriculture, rural development, health and natural resources. 

The appointment, confirmed during the NAT Commission meeting on 1 June in Brussels, marks a significant step for the ECR Group in strengthening its role within one of the most strategic policy areas for Europe’s regions.  

Currently serving as President of the Regional Council of Veneto, Luca Zaia brings decades of high-level political and administrative experience to the position. His longstanding leadership as President of the Veneto Region—held from 2010 to 2025—and his earlier tenure as Italy’s Minister of Agriculture provide him with deep expertise on key sectors such as agri-food systems, rural economies and territorial governance.  

Zaia’s election comes at a time when the NAT Commission is addressing key priorities such as the future of the Common Agricultural Policy, the competitiveness of EU agri-food chains, and the resilience of rural and regional economies. The Commission also plays a crucial role in supporting local and regional authorities in responding to crises, strengthening civil protection systems and ensuring sustainable development across Europe.