🏛️ EU approves new rules to combat unfair trading in agri-food sector
Oneliner
The European Parliament has approved new regulations to combat unfair trading practices in the agri-food sector, with 555 votes in favor. The legislation allows national authorities to act without formal complaints from producers and requires non-EU buyers to designate EU contact persons for investigations. The new rules will take effect 18 months after publication in the Official Journal of the EU, enhancing protections for farmers and small agricultural entrepreneurs.
Key points
- The European Parliament approved new regulations to protect farmers from unfair trading practices.
- The legislation allows national authorities to act without formal complaints from producers.
- Non-EU buyers must designate EU contact persons for investigations.
- The new rules will take effect 18 months after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
Links
- ANSA: Via libera dall'Eurocamera alla stretta sulle pratiche sleali nell'agroalimentare - Progetto CAPGEN
- ANSA: Si del Pe alle nuove norme per proteggere gli agricoltori da abusi commerciali - Europarlamento - Ansa.it
- ANSA: Via libera dall'Eurocamera alla stretta sulle pratiche sleali nell'agroalimentare - Europarlamento - Ansa.it
Facts
- The vote in the European Parliament was 555 in favor, 0 against, and 26 abstentions.
- The regulation introduces a mutual assistance mechanism for national authorities.
- National authorities can act ex officio to block unfair trading practices.
- Non-EU buyers must designate a contact person for EU investigations.
- The new rules will apply 18 months after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.
Quotes
- We have transformed what could have been a mere administrative document into a powerful act of economic and social justice — Stefano Bonaccini
Justification
- We reviewed 3 verified sources to assemble this distillation.
- Our relevance model assessed the public-interest weight of this topic at 5.00.
- AI narrative synopsis: European Parliament gives final approval to new regulation (rapporteur Stefano Bonaccini) to tackle cross‑border unfair trading practices in the agri‑food supply chain: establishes mutual‑assistance mechanism for national authorities, allows ex‑officio intervention, sets deadlines for information requests, and imposes obligations on non‑EU buyers to designate EU contact persons.
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Score
- Classification: critical for public life (anchored in EU/European institutions).
- Freshness: 100%.
- Novelty: 100%.
- Density: 75%.
- Weighted salience: 83%.
- Lifecycle stage: approved.
- Why it matters: High importance and fresh topic; addresses significant agricultural sector issues.
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Article
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The European Parliament has officially approved new regulations aimed at combating unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain. The vote, held in Strasbourg, resulted in 555 votes in favor and 26 abstentions, marking a significant step towards enhancing protections for farmers and small agricultural entrepreneurs across the EU.
Key features of the regulation
The new legislation, for which Democratic Party MEP Stefano Bonaccini served as rapporteur, introduces a mechanism of "mutual assistance". This allows national authorities to request and exchange information, cooperate on investigations, and coordinate enforcement actions against unfair commercial practices. Notably, national authorities can now act ex officio, meaning they can intervene without waiting for a formal complaint from producers.
Protection against non-EU buyers
To further strengthen protections, the regulation mandates that buyers based outside the EU designate a contact person responsible for the EU in the event of an investigation. This measure aims to prevent operators from evading the law by relocating outside the EU, ensuring that large retailers, supermarket chains, and wholesalers are held accountable.
Cooperation among member states
The regulation also establishes a coordinated action mechanism for cases involving at least three EU countries, enhancing cooperation among national enforcement authorities. They will be able to inform each other about unfair trading practices or potential risks through the Internal Market Information System, an existing EU platform for information exchange.
Timeline for implementation
The new rules will come into effect 18 months after their publication in the Official Journal of the EU, following their adoption by the EU Council. This timeline allows for the necessary adjustments and preparations by member states to implement the new regulations effectively.
Statements from leadership
"We have transformed what could have been a mere administrative document into a powerful act of economic and social justice," Bonaccini stated. He emphasized that the new regulations send a clear message that farmers will no longer be subjected to the unfair demands of large buyers and traders. The approval of these regulations reflects the EU's commitment to listening to the needs of its agricultural sector and taking decisive action.