The EU’s response to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in the context of agriculture and food production
10.5.2022
Priority question for written answer P-001727/2022
to the Commission
Rule 138
Urmas Paet (Renew)
Ukraine is a top supplier of staple foods to several parts of the world, in particular North Africa and the Middle East. However, the country’s access to Black Sea trading routes through its seaports has been cut off, making it impossible for it to export its surplus production. This also affects imports of inputs for agricultural production. Furthermore, Russian troops are deliberately seizing and destroying agricultural machinery, fertilizer, seeds and agricultural fuel stocks in Ukraine. Russia’s actions are putting this year’s spring planting campaign and yields of winter crops at risk and could negatively affect global cereal stocks for years. Its campaign in Ukraine is therefore a carefully planned form of hybrid warfare.
- 1.What steps has the Commission taken to prepare for humanitarian crises in Europe’s neighbouring regions of North Africa and the Middle East?
- 2.Is it considering banning the export of plant protection products (pesticides, herbicides and fungicides) and seeds to Russia? Plant protection products and seeds have so far escaped the EU’s sanction packages, even though Russia is heavily dependent on imports of these products from the EU.
- 3.How is the Commission supporting food production facilities and helping to bolster capacities in other parts of the world in order to increase the volume of global food production?