The European Parliament's AGRI Committee on 5 May 2026 debated two pressing issues: the European Court of Auditors' Special Report on olive-oil controls and the Commission's update on African swine fever (ASF). Chair Veronika Vrecionová (ECR) framed the olive-oil audit as a test of whether EU oil is genuine, safe and traceable. ECA's Joëlle Elvinger presented findings of a solid legal framework but uneven national enforcement, weaker contaminant checks beyond pesticides, and incomplete cross-border traceability.
MEPs diverged on solutions. Carmen Crespo Díaz (EPP) called for harmonised rules and technology-based sensory analysis, while Mireia Borrás Pabón (PfE) criticised subjective tasting panels. Asger Christensen (Renew) and Raffaele Stancanelli (PfE) pushed back on weak import controls, with Cristina Guarda (Greens/EFA) noting no samples checked at Italian entry points in 2022-2023. Commission's Brigitte Misonne accepted recommendations for stronger oversight, clearer guidance, and reinforced import controls, but defended existing traceability.
On ASF, Commission's Francisco Reviriego Gordejo described the EU picture as relatively stable despite new zones in Germany, outbreaks in Czechia and Barcelona, and persistent biosecurity failures. MEPs questioned regionalization and compensation: Jadwiga Wiśniewska (ECR) cited heavy losses in Silesia and urged better support; Eric Sargiacomo (S&D) warned of rising wild-boar numbers. Reviriego Gordejo defended regionalization, noted EU reimbursement has fallen to 20-30%, and urged Parliament to secure more emergency funding.
Consensus emerged on the need for stronger traceability, better import controls, and improved biosecurity. Next steps: Commission to clarify legislation and provide technical assistance; AGRI will hold a joint session with ENVI.