Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001747/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dan-Ştefan Motreanu (PPE)
The Commission has made considerable efforts to reduce food waste, notably by promoting food donations. Food donations are an important means of redistributing wealth and supporting the most vulnerable people across Europe. A recent report, supported by funding from the ESF+ project Food4Inclusion, analyses the implementation of European food waste reduction and food donation policies across all 27 Member States up to 2024.
A number of important findings have emerged from interviews with both governmental authorities and local food donation organisations.
While mandatory food donation schemes appear to be among the most effective approach, significant challenges remain. These include the lack of harmonisation of national measures, major disparities between countries focusing solely on food waste reduction versus those promoting food donations, inadequate logistics for food recovery and distribution, limited support for local charitable organisations, the absence of an EU-wide VAT exemption for donated products, unclear responsibilities within the food supply chain, high distribution costs and a lack of financial incentives.
In light of these challenges, does the Commission intend to propose a comprehensive EU-level policy and legislation to support food donations and ensure a more coherent and effective approach across Member States?
Submitted: 30.4.2025