Greek MEP Galato Alexandraki (ECR) has submitted a written parliamentary question to the European Commission, pressing for concrete prioritisation of import checks at Greek border posts for fruit and vegetables containing residues of pesticides banned in the EU. The question, filed on 22 April 2026, targets unfair competition faced by Greek producers from imports that may carry substances such as benomyl, carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl, which the Commission has already proposed to address.
Alexandraki's question contains three specific asks: whether the Commission will include Greek entry points and high-risk product categories in its 2026-2027 audit priorities; whether it will organise coordinated EU monitoring for banned residues in produce entering via Greece; and what interim measures will be taken before legislative changes are completed. The MEP references the Commission's announced impact assessment, a 50% increase in audits in non-EU countries, a 33% increase at border control posts, and a special task force on pesticide residues, but argues that these general commitments need to be translated into operational priorities for Greece.
The question reflects a push for stronger enforcement of EU food safety standards at external borders, with a focus on protecting domestic producers from competition with imports that may not comply with EU bans. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal whether it intends to tailor its enhanced control framework to specific member state concerns or maintain a uniform approach. The outcome could affect Greek fruit and vegetable growers, importers, border control authorities, and EU consumers who rely on the integrity of the single market's food safety regime.