The European Union plans to introduce stricter regulations on food imports that do not meet its high standards as part of a significant agricultural policy overhaul to be published on Wednesday. This move is intended to address concerns among farmers who have been frustrated by global trade tensions and what they view as unfair competition from less-regulated foreign producers.
The European Commission is expected to reveal a new blueprint for agriculture, a sector that consumes a third of the EU’s budget but has long been critical of Brussels’ liberal stance on trade. The frustrations of farmers were evident last year, as protests erupted across the continent with demonstrations including egg-throwing and street blockages in Belgium.
Following consultations with farming groups and environmental NGOs, the draft document titled “Vision for Agriculture and Food” seeks to alleviate these grievances. To protect European farmers from “unfair” competition, the commission will ensure that imports meet the same rigorous production standards as those enforced within the EU, including a ban on hazardous pesticides that have been outlawed for health and environmental reasons.
While details about which specific imports or countries could be impacted remain vague, the new policies could stir tensions with trading partners, particularly with the US, as global trade conflicts intensify. Reports suggest US crops like soybeans may be targeted after President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs on European exports.
The document also signals an overhaul of the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), aiming to streamline subsidies and direct funds to farmers in need, particularly smaller farms and those who contribute to environmental conservation. This represents a shift away from the current system, where larger landowners receive a significant portion of the subsidies.
With 387 billion euros allocated for agriculture between 2021 and 2027, farming states like France, Ireland, and several eastern European nations will have a vested interest in how the next round of CAP negotiations unfolds. The upcoming discussions will be a focal point for EU leaders, especially as the bloc aims to ensure fairer and more sustainable agricultural practices across the region.
