(ANSA) – ROME, JUL 23 – Giving EU Member States the power to act on their own initiative against unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain – including in the absence of formal complaints from producers – was key demand from the European Parliament’s Agriculture Committee (AGRI) as it approved its negotiating position—authored by Democratic Party (PD) MEP Stefano Bonaccini—with 44 votes in favour, one against, and no abstentions.
The position targets a crackdown on unfair cross-border commercial practices. The European Commission put forward the proposal in December, noting that around 20% of agri-food products consumed in one EU country originate from another Member State.
The goal is to strengthen cooperation between national authorities, improve information exchange, enhance investigations, and boost the effectiveness of sanction enforcement.
As part of a future rapid alert system between national authorities and the European Commission, MEPs propose the creation of a permanent information network.
Protections have also been extended to cover unfair practices carried out by buyers based outside the EU.
Any non-EU operator wishing to trade agricultural and food products in the EU will be required to designate a “EU representative” who would be held accountable and subject to penalties in case of violations.
In the meeting, MEPs also agreed to open inter-institutional negotiations with EU countries on the final form of the legislation, following a plenary vote scheduled for September.
#IMCAP “Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed belong solely to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible.” (ANSA).
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The position targets a crackdown on unfair cross-border commercial practices. The European Commission put forward the proposal in December, noting that around 20% of agri-food products consumed in one EU country originate from another Member State.
The goal is to strengthen cooperation between national authorities, improve information exchange, enhance investigations, and boost the effectiveness of sanction enforcement.
As part of a future rapid alert system between national authorities and the European Commission, MEPs propose the creation of a permanent information network.
Protections have also been extended to cover unfair practices carried out by buyers based outside the EU.
Any non-EU operator wishing to trade agricultural and food products in the EU will be required to designate a “EU representative” who would be held accountable and subject to penalties in case of violations.
In the meeting, MEPs also agreed to open inter-institutional negotiations with EU countries on the final form of the legislation, following a plenary vote scheduled for September.
#IMCAP “Co-funded by the European Union. However, the views expressed belong solely to the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible.” (ANSA).
Read article…
