Events Podcast: Marko Vešligaj – Member of the European Parliament 28.05.2026 After more than a decade in local government, Marko Vešligaj became an MEP in 2024, where he became actively involved in the work of several committees and delegations, focusing on rural development, agriculture, and gender equality. Image: Creator: A. Filipović In the new episode of the Riječ na E podcast, host Tihana Veljačić speaks with Member of the European Parliament and former Mayor of Pregrada, Marko Vešligaj. After more than a decade in local government, Vešligaj entered the European Parliament in 2024, where he became actively involved in the work of several committees and delegations, focusing on equality, agriculture, rural development, cross-border cooperation, and affordable housing for young people. In the conversation, he reflects on how his experience as mayor helped him better understand the concrete needs of citizens, as well as on his fieldwork related to the position of farmers. Particular attention is given to the future of European agriculture in the context of climate change, the challenges of environmentally sustainable production, and the need for generational renewal through strengthening the position of young farmers. One of the key topics of the episode is the agreement between the European Union and Mercosur countries, including a discussion of its potential impact on Croatian agriculture, food security, and the competitiveness of domestic producers. The conversation also touches on the broader context of global trade relations, armed conflicts, and the dependence of Croatian agriculture on EU funding. In the final part of the episode, Vešligaj discusses political cooperation among Croatian Members of the European Parliament, as well as his work in the field of gender equality, with particular emphasis on combating violence against women and protecting women’s rights. You can listen to the full episode here: https://youtu.be/tob71XA6zCY?si=uy33iiPsZZdvaNzM .
