The European Committee of the Regions (CoR) has adopted an opinion titled “Enhancing EU regional agricultural competitiveness: A comprehensive strategy integrating equitable trade conditions and phytosanitary security”, drafted by Carlos Mazón Guixot (ES/EPP), President of the Government of Valencia. The opinion calls for an ambitious, robust, open, and sustainable European trade policy that opens third-country markets to EU companies while preventing unfair competition from imported products.
Mr Mazón stated: “This opinion advocates for a comprehensive approach, integrating fair trade practices, robust phytosanitary measures, and supporting research, innovation, and the use of new technologies in the service of profitability, sustainability, and competitiveness of our agriculture. Moreover, the current context compels us to pay special attention to the potential impact of U.S. tariffs on our agricultural products – such as wine, dairy products, and olive oil. Therefore, with this opinion, we are also calling for strong action against these unjustified barriers to free and fair trade. We must protect European businesses, workers, and consumers from unfair tariffs.”
The opinion urges the European Commission to introduce ‘mirror clauses’ in current and future EU trade agreements, aligning import standards with EU environmental, phytosanitary, and safety regulations to ensure a level playing field for European producers.
The issue comes at a critical time. The European Union and the United States share the world’s largest trade and investment partnership, with transatlantic trade reaching €1.6 trillion in 2023, including a significant agri-food exchange. However, the newly announced 20% tariffs on all products – including EU agri-food exports – unveiled by the United States on 2 April, risk severely disrupting EU supply chains, increasing consumer prices, and harming European producers. In the agri-food sector, regions such as Andalucía could face serious economic and social repercussions, particularly concerning key exports like cheese, olive oil, and wine.
Thibaut Guignard, Municipal Councillor of Plœuc-l’Hermitage, stressed: “There is no better time than today to express our commitment to strengthening the EU's agricultural sector. Our common objectives should encompass competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience of EU agriculture, particularly in the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and global market challenges.” He highlighted that regional and local support for sustainable practices – such as water management and efficient land use – combined with technological innovation, will be essential in making European farming more sustainable and competitive.
Francisca Ramis Pons, Director General for Institutional Relations and Relations with the Parliament of the Balearic Islands Government, added: “European policies must be built on the basis of geographical realities, since not all regions face the same conditions. The European Union must recognise insularity as a key factor when designing agricultural and rural development policies, ensuring compensation measures that guarantee the competitiveness and viability of the primary sector. If we want a resilient and sustainable Europe, we must ensure that island territories can continue to produce quality food, care for the environment, and generate employment.”
Anton Mattle, Governor of Tyrol, also underlined the need for fair and competitive conditions for EU farmers, stating: “Our farmers need competitive conditions to ensure food security. We must strengthen our self-reliance, requiring uniform production standards. Water is crucial, and EU policy must be strengthened to secure this.”