The Council of the European Union's Working Party on International Food and Agricultural Questions (Codex - CCEURO) will meet on 8 September 2026 in Brussels to prepare the EU's position for the 34th session of the Codex Coordinating Committee for Europe (CCEURO33) and to discuss general Codex strategy. The meeting, scheduled from 10:00 in the Justus Lipsius Building, will cover the EU's stance for CCEURO33, which takes place from 21 to 25 September 2026 in Berlin, Germany, as well as broader strategic issues related to the Codex Alimentarius.
The morning session focuses on preparation for CCEURO33, where EU member states will coordinate their positions on food safety, quality, and trade standards. The afternoon session is dedicated to a general discussion on Codex strategy, likely addressing the EU's long-term objectives within the international food standards body. The meeting is part of the EU's internal process to ensure a unified voice in Codex negotiations, which set global benchmarks for food safety and trade. The working party, composed of experts from member states and the European Commission, will finalize the EU's negotiating mandate for the Berlin session.
EU food producers and exporters stand to benefit from a coordinated EU position that can influence global standards, potentially reducing trade barriers. National food safety authorities will need to align domestic regulations with Codex outcomes, which may require adjustments. Consumer groups may see improved food safety if the EU pushes for stricter standards, but could face higher costs if standards diverge from global norms. The European Commission, as the EU's negotiator, will gain a clear mandate to advocate for EU interests in Berlin. The meeting's outcome will shape the EU's contribution to CCEURO33, where decisions on food standards can affect international trade and public health.