The European Commission has announced a series of measures to strengthen import controls on agricultural products from third countries, including Turkey, following repeated safety alerts. In a written answer to a parliamentary question from ECR MEP Emmanouil Fragkos, Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi outlined steps such as a 50% increase in audits in non-EU countries, a 33% increase in audits at EU border control posts, and training for over 600 national authority staff. These measures aim to address concerns over Turkish fruit and vegetables with excessive pesticide residues and mycotoxins in dried products, which have triggered a high proportion of alerts in the EU's Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF).
The answer, dated 27 April 2026, responds to Fragkos's question submitted on 8 February 2026. Fragkos had highlighted the systematic nature of the alerts and asked about strengthened border controls, increased sampling, and cooperation with Turkish authorities. The Commission's response confirms that several Turkish products are already listed under Regulation (EU) 2019/1793, which imposes increased control frequency, official certification, and laboratory analysis for each consignment. These measures are reviewed at least twice a year and adjusted based on new risk information.
Policy orientation and ambition The Commission's answer signals a clear policy direction toward tightening import controls, with concrete numerical targets: a 50% increase in audits in third countries and a 33% increase at border posts. This represents a moderate but tangible escalation in enforcement, moving beyond existing measures. The announcement of training for over 600 staff further indicates a commitment to capacity building. However, the answer does not propose new legislation or specific new restrictions on Turkish products beyond the existing framework, suggesting a preference for administrative and enforcement improvements rather than trade measures.
Expected institutional follow-up The Commission will continue to review the list of high-risk products under Regulation (EU) 2019/1793 biannually. The announced audit increases and training are expected to be implemented over the coming months. Further parliamentary scrutiny may follow, particularly from MEPs seeking more targeted action against Turkish exports. The Commission's answer leaves room for additional measures if non-compliance persists, but no specific timeline for further legislative proposals is given.
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