Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné, in a written answer on 17 June 2026, confirmed that the European Commission launched a pre-infringement dialogue with France on 17 April 2026 concerning the implementation of the French EGalim law, specifically Article L.230-5-1 of the Rural and Maritime Fisheries Code. The dialogue seeks clarification on an equivalence mechanism for the High Environmental Value (HVE3) certification and the timeline for an implementing decree, as non-French producers face de facto exclusion from the French market due to customer requirements for EGalim compliance.
The answer responds to a priority question from MEP Wouter Beke (PPE), submitted on 4 May 2026, who warned of market disruption and economic damage unless clarity is provided. Beke noted that French customers already require the full range to meet EGalim standards, making separation between compliant and non-compliant products impossible, effectively shutting out non-French producers lacking an equivalent HVE3 certificate. He also referenced a draft French law presented on 8 April 2026, which proposed accepting CE2 (Level 2) in public catering until 2029.
Séjourné's answer does not confirm whether CE2 will be accepted as equivalent until 2029, nor does it provide a specific timeline for a solution. Instead, it states that exchanges with French authorities are ongoing and that the Commission will assess appropriate follow-up steps based on France's reply. The response signals a cautious, procedural approach, with no concrete commitments beyond the ongoing dialogue. The pre-infringement dialogue is a preliminary step before potential infringement proceedings, indicating the Commission's intent to enforce EU single market rules but without immediate escalation.
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