Fri Sep 20 12:49:30 UTC 2024: ## EU Trade Undergoes Shift as New Commissioners Take the Helm

**Brussels, September 20, 2023** – The European Union’s trade landscape is facing a significant shift as new commissioners take charge, raising questions about the future direction of EU trade policy.

**Maroš Šefčovič, known as the EU’s “Mr Fix-it,” has been appointed to oversee a wide-ranging portfolio encompassing trade, economic security, interinstitutional relations, and transparency.** This broad mandate, according to experts, could overshadow international business interests, signaling a potential decline in the EU’s pursuit of free-trade agreements that have been a hallmark of previous decades.

**This shift is likely to be welcomed by many in the EU’s agricultural sector.** Farmers have long criticized the influx of non-EU food imports, arguing they create unfair competition. The European Parliament’s recent rejection of a proposal to lower pesticide residue limits on imported food, despite some improvements, underscores the growing emphasis on reciprocal production standards for health and competitiveness reasons.

**While the EU’s agricultural sector may benefit from this move, it’s not all good news for those looking for expanded trade agreements.** Šefčovič’s portfolio includes “finalizing trade agreements under negotiation,” particularly with Latin American and Indo-Pacific countries, hinting at deals with Mercosur, Australia, and India.

**The EU’s push for the Mercosur trade agreement, potentially the bloc’s largest free trade deal, is facing strong opposition from agricultural groups and some EU countries, including France.** Meanwhile, Brazil, seeking to protect its agricultural exports, is urging the EU to delay its new anti-deforestation regulation, known as EUDR, which could impact exports of coffee, cocoa, livestock, and soy.

**The proposed delay of EUDR has sparked debate, as the regulation also impacts European farmers and companies sourcing soy and livestock within the EU.** It remains unclear whether the EU will delay enforcing the EUDR, but a solution is being explored to address concerns from both EU trade partners and the bloc’s own farmers, potentially clearing the way for the Mercosur trade deal.

**Beyond trade, the EU has announced new leadership positions in the agricultural and food security sectors.** Christophe Hansen from Luxembourg will oversee the agriculture and food security portfolio, while food safety will remain under the health commissioner.

**In other agricultural news, the bluetongue virus, which has been rapidly spreading across central Europe, has now reached Sweden and Norway.** Additionally, the European Parliament has reiterated its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy for pesticide residues in imported food, rejecting two European Commission proposals to adjust limits for EU-banned chemicals.

**The EU’s trade relations with China remain tense,** with trade chief Valdis Dombrovskis criticizing Beijing’s anti-dumping probes into EU imports of brandy, pork, and dairy.

**Bulgaria is demanding a ban on egg imports from Ukraine,** citing concerns over potential health risks, while the Netherlands is seeking to overturn the EU ban on electric pulse fishing, a practice met with strong opposition from France and Belgium.**

**NGOs and fishermen are calling for clearer labelling rules for canned fish,** advocating for the same labelling standards applied to fresh fish to combat illegal practices and ensure fair competition.**

**The EU’s trade landscape is in flux, with new leadership, shifting priorities, and growing tensions over agricultural imports and trade regulations.** The coming months will be crucial for determining the future direction of the EU’s trade policy and its impact on businesses and consumers alike.

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