Parliamentary question - P-001727/2022(ASW)Parliamentary question
P-001727/2022(ASW)
European Parliament

Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

20.7.2022

Written question

As an important vector of the EU’s response to the impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, in countries of the Southern Neighbourhood, the Food and Resilience Facility (FRF)[1] worth EUR 225 million will aim to deliver on the following: provide budgetary assistance to countries experiencing balance of payment or budgetary shocks due to the inflationary pressures; provide support to social protection or social safety net schemes for vulnerable segments of population to access basic food products; support partner countries in optimising their domestic agricultural production, increasing their storage capacity and supporting their farmers for the development of more sustainable agricultural practices.

In addition, in 2022 the EU has considerably increased its humanitarian food assistance, mainly to address the global food crisis. It is estimated that at least EUR 460 million will be devoted to food assistance (not including food assistance to Ukraine).

Export bans of plant protection products and seeds are currently not part of the sanctions packages targeting Russia. Sanctions are adopted by the EU Council with the aim to promote EU fundamental values and interests while minimising adverse consequences for those not responsible for the policies leading to the adoption of sanctions.

The EU supports local food production in partner countries, notably through investments in agri-value chains, with a focus on value addition, employment creation, sustainability and food and nutrition security.

A systemic approach in line with the objectives of the Farm to Fork strategy[2] and the Sustainable Development Goals is generally followed, which could contribute to sustain local agricultural systems and support the development of less input-intensive and more innovative and sustainable agricultural practices, including by shifting towards less water intensive varieties, crops and agricultural practices.

This is in line with the objectives set in EU policies, including the new Agenda for the Mediterranean[3] and its Economic and Investment Plan, in the context of development assistance programming, including in cooperation with international financial institutions, in the medium to long-term.

Last updated: 3 August 2022
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