Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000705/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE)
The EU entry price system was designed to protect European farmers from unfair competition. It has become obsolete, however, and urgently needs updating. Imports of citrus fruit from Egypt at lower than standard import prices are having a serious effect on profitability for European producers, particularly in Spain. Data shows that the price of imports of oranges from Egypt to Spain in 2024 was on average EUR 0.51/kg, well below the farm-gate price of Spanish citrus fruit producers. This situation is a point of serious vulnerability for the citrus sector, which is calling for entry prices to be updated and for the safeguard clause in trade agreements to be applied.
In light of this:
- 1.What measures is the Commission taking to ensure the entry price system is properly upheld and to prevent citrus fruit from being imported at prices that do not reflect European production costs?
- 2.Is the Commission considering updating the minimum entry price, taking into account inflation and the current state of the market?
- 3.Is the Commission assessing whether to apply the safeguard clause to imports of Egyptian oranges and protect EU market stability?
Submitted: 17.2.2025