Extension of measures necessitated by the Russian import ban
23.3.2017
Question for written answer P-001998-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Esther Herranz García (PPE) , Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso (PPE) , Gabriel Mato (PPE)
The Commission is currently working on a draft regulation extending beyond 30 June the exceptional measures necessitated by the Russian import ban.
Under the draft regulation, despite the limited opening of new markets, the quantities are down from the previous year (1 955 tonnes of apples and pears compared to 2 300 tonnes in 2016; 1 275 tonnes of plums compared with 1 500 tonnes in 2016, 14 100 tonnes of oranges, tangerines, mandarins and lemons compared to 16 600 tonnes in 2016, 9 775 tonnes of peaches and nectarines compared to 11 500 tonnes in 2016 and 0 tonnes of tomatoes, carrots, sweet peppers, cucumbers and pickles compared to 6 900 tonnes the previous year).
Likewise, the measures will take effect in July, which will affect products such as nectarines, peaches and plums, which are harvested principally in June.
In view of this:
- 1.Will the Commission reconsider and increase the initial quantities, given that sufficient alternative markets have not yet been opened to offset the Russian import ban?
- 2.Can the Commission adjust the timing of the entry into force of these measures, especially for nectarines, peaches and plums, enabling them to benefit from this mechanism at the beginning of June?