MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Suspected tax fraud in Moroccan tomato imports to the EU in recent years – E-000444/2025

Question for written answer  E-000444/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Carmen Crespo Díaz (PPE)

Spanish farmers are facing a serious problem due to Morocco’s alleged breaches of the import limit for duty-free tomatoes, while the Spanish Government stands idly by.

Since 2019, Morocco has allegedly repeatedly exceeded duty-free export quotas, which could amount to EUR 71.7 million of tax evasion, or around EUR 14 million each year. This lost revenue is directly undermining the sustainability of EU policies, as is evident in the tomato sector, where our producers’ profit margins have been squeezed by pressure from imported products sold at artificially low prices.

In view of the above:

• 1.Will the Commission investigate Morocco’s failure to comply with the terms of the trade agreement and the Spanish Government’s neglect of its duties?
• 2.Will the Commission demand appropriate economic compensation if tax evasion has taken place?
• 3.Will European farmers be protected by strengthening import monitoring mechanisms and reviewing the current trade framework with Morocco?

Submitted: 3.2.2025