Actions relating to Russia's embargo on EU pork imports

17.2.2014

Question for written answer E-001734-14
to the Commission
Rule 117
Konrad Szymański (ECR)

In late January 2014, the Russian Federation took the decision to halt pork imports from the entire European Union using the pretext of the discovery of cases of African swine fever virus in Lithuania.

This decision is a major blow to Polish farmers, particularly those from Wielkopolska, which is the largest centre for pig farming in Poland. According to the Wielkopolska Chamber of Agriculture, the decision to halt pork imports from the EU is a major blow to Poland’s still‐unstable pork market, as well as to the long‐term programme to rebuild pork production. For Polish pig farmers, this means that no market can be found for around one million pigs in the course of a year. News of a drop in price and a reduction in purchases mean that decisive action is now needed.

Given the EU’s exclusive competence in trade matters, what steps will the Commission take to bring this matter to a speedy resolution?

OJ C 331, 23/09/2014