Austrian MEP Alexander Bernhuber (PPE) has challenged the European Commission to provide the data underpinning its December 2025 announcement of a 50% increase in audits in non-EU countries and a 33% increase in checks at border control posts. The parliamentary question, submitted on 8 April 2026, seeks transparency on the baseline numbers, staffing needs, and budget for the planned reinforcement, which directly impacts EU food safety authorities, importers, and third-country producers.
Bernhuber's written question (E-001412/2026) asks the Commission to disclose the exact number of audits and border checks carried out in 2025 that serve as the basis for the announced percentage increases. He notes that publicly available reports lack a consolidated overview of current control levels.
The MEP also demands the publication of the overdue annual report under Article 114 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, which is nearly two years behind schedule. The report is meant to provide comprehensive data on official controls along the agri-food chain.
Additionally, Bernhuber questions the operational feasibility of the increase, asking how many additional auditors and inspectors are required and whether the necessary budget has been approved. This highlights a potential cleavage between the Commission's ambition to tighten import controls and the practical constraints of staffing and funding.
The Commission is expected to respond within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether the announced increases are backed by solid data and resources, or whether they remain aspirational targets. The response will be closely watched by EU food safety authorities, who may face implementation burdens; EU importers and third-country food producers, who could face stricter checks and potential delays; and EU consumers, who stand to benefit from enhanced food safety but may see higher prices if controls disrupt supply chains.
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