Commissioner Christophe Hansen, in a written answer on 1 July 2026, defended the EU's trade and agricultural framework against accusations that it is harming Greek rice producers, while pointing to upcoming safeguards and enhanced food safety controls. The answer, responding to a question from MEP Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI), aims to reassure Greek farmers that the Commission is monitoring the sector and taking steps to address unfair competition and safety concerns.
The question had charged that EU trade agreements under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are stifling Greek rice production by allowing imports of inferior quality rice, often produced with pesticides banned in the EU, and that promised government support has not materialised. Hansen countered that rice is treated as a sensitive product in all trade negotiations and that most duty-free imports fall under the Everything But Arms arrangement of the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP). He highlighted that from 2027, a new rice-specific automatic safeguard will be available under the revised GSP, in addition to three other existing safeguards.
On food safety, Hansen stressed that all imported foods must comply with the same EU standards, enforced through rigorous import controls and audits. He noted that rice from India and Pakistan is already subject to increased controls at entry, and that under the Vision for Agriculture and Food, the Commission will adopt measures for more audits in exporting countries and at European Border Control Posts, as well as stronger alignment of production standards for imports.
Regarding financial compensation, Hansen did not announce direct payments to Greek producers but pointed to the proposed new multiannual financial framework, which includes an enhanced crisis response through the Unity Safety Net, doubling the current crisis reserve to help farmers when markets are disrupted. He also mentioned that EUR 205 million are available in 2026 under the promotion policy to boost EU agri-food competitiveness and export diversification.
The answer is largely declarative, offering no immediate financial relief or specific timeline for the new safeguard's activation. It signals a policy direction focused on trade defence mechanisms and stricter enforcement of safety standards, rather than direct compensation. Institutional follow-up is expected as the new GSP enters force in 2027 and as the Commission advances its Vision for Agriculture and Food proposals.
Greek rice producers may see limited short-term relief, as the answer offers no immediate compensation and relies on future safeguards and safety measures. EU consumers benefit from continued access to imported rice but may face higher prices if safeguards are triggered. Importers and processors face potentially stricter controls and audits, raising compliance costs. EU regulatory bodies, including the Commission and border control authorities, will need to scale up auditing and enforcement capacity.