Russian ban on European exports

17.7.2015

Question for oral answer O-000093/2015
to the Commission
Rule 128
Czesław Adam Siekierski, on behalf of the Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development

Russia has announced a one-year extension of the ban on European exports of certain agricultural and food products. Seasonal products have already been negatively affected by the impact of this decision on market behaviour. It needs to be pointed out that farmers are not at the origin of the political crisis with Russia, but nevertheless are hit the hardest.

Extending the support measures introduced by the Commission last year seems essential in order to reassure producers and markets. Furthermore, the new Common Market Organisation contains legislative tools allowing for the activation of preventive measures in order to avoid market disruptions in agricultural sectors and allowing producer organisations to better manage their supply in critical situations.

In view of all of this, does the Commission intend to extend the exceptional measures in favour of the sectors affected so as to counter the dramatic price decreases being witnessed and to prevent further decreases? Is the Commission planning to introduce new measures, particularly with regard to new products that might be added to the list? Is the Commission actively looking for alternative markets?