Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001061/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)
In 2024, tomato imports in Greece increased by 20 %, totalling around 29 500 tonnes, mainly from Türkiye. Last October, 200 tonnes of Turkish tomatoes were found to contain pesticide residues that are banned in the EU and were thus in breach of European food safety standards. This practice violates the bilateral agreement between the EU and Türkiye, which stipulates that imports from non-EU countries must meet the same standards as those which are applicable to products within the EU.
Meanwhile, the fact that no explanations have been given as to where these quantities of tomatoes ended up – in two cases finding their way onto the market – clearly shows that there is a lack of sufficient control mechanisms in Greece. The failure to implement strict checks and penalties poses serious risks to public health and the trustworthiness of Greek agricultural production.
In light of the above, can the Commission answer the following:
- 1.Are penalties imposed in cases where there is a proven violation of EU standards by non-EU countries, as is the case with Türkiye, and, if so, what penalties?
- 2.How does it ensure effective monitoring of compliance by non-EU countries with the EU’s safety requirements for imported agricultural products?
- 3.What steps does it intend to take to boost control mechanisms in Member States, such as Greece, which are situated at the EU’s external borders, with a view to preventing such violations and protecting public health?
Submitted: 12.3.2025