Greek MEP Konstantinos Arvanitis (The Left) has asked the European Commission to tighten border controls and ensure reciprocity of production standards for processed fruit, vegetables and tomato products imported from non-EU countries, warning that lower-cost imports produced under weaker pesticide, food safety, environmental and labour rules create unfair competition for European processors and undermine consumer protection and EU strategic autonomy in the food sector.
The parliamentary question, submitted on 22 April 2026, targets the Commission's official controls framework for food of non-animal origin. Arvanitis calls for immediate strengthening of targeted border and laboratory checks on processed fruit and vegetables from non-EU countries, and for faster inclusion of products and countries with systematic compliance problems in an enhanced surveillance regime.
Concrete asks and policy direction
The MEP's question contains two concrete requests: first, a revision of the current official controls regulation to expand enhanced surveillance; second, specific measures to ensure substantial equivalence of production standards for imported products. The underlying policy orientation is protectionist in the sense of defending EU producers against what Arvanitis frames as unfair competition, while also invoking consumer safety and food sovereignty. The tone is urgent, warning of increasing pressure on the single market and weakened resilience of the EU agri-food chain.
Expected follow-up
The Commission is required to reply within approximately six weeks. Its answer will signal whether it shares the MEP's assessment and is willing to tighten import controls or pursue equivalence agreements. Given the Commission's stated recognition of the need for stronger alignment on pesticides, a sympathetic but cautious response is likely, possibly pointing to ongoing work under the Farm to Fork strategy or existing safeguard mechanisms.
Stakeholders impacted
- EU fruit and vegetable processors: would benefit from reduced competitive pressure if controls are tightened and standards are enforced more strictly.
- Non-EU exporters: would face higher compliance costs and potential market access restrictions.
- EU consumers: could gain from enhanced food safety and traceability, but may see higher prices if imports become costlier.
- EU regulatory bodies (Commission, national authorities): would need to allocate resources for increased controls and surveillance.