Written question – Protecting the European olive sector against alleged fraud in the olive oil trade between Tunisia and Spain – E-004188/2025

Question for written answer  E-004188/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Dario Nardella (S&D)

In recent weeks, there have been reports in the press about an alleged financial and trade scandal involving the Tunisian company Bioliva Med Company – Tunisia’s main exporter of olive oil to the EU – and the Spanish group Borges Agricultural & Industrial Edible Oils. According to the investigations[1], Bioliva has accumulated debts of more than EUR 170 million and engaged in irregular speculative and payment practices, allowing goods to be exported at unusually low prices. These dynamics have triggered a steep drop in the price of Tunisian oil, which has fallen to EUR 2.8/kg, disrupting the market and undermining the stability of Europe’s olive sector. They have also eroded consumer protection as regards the origin and quality of the product.

In view of the above:

• 1.Is the Commission aware of these reports and, if so, what follow-up actions has it taken?
• 2.Does it intend to assess the impact of these practices on the European market and producers? If necessary, will it take measures to step up controls and increase transparency surrounding third-country imports?

Submitted: 23.10.2025

• [1] https://www.italiaoggi.it/settori/agroalimentare/una-truffa-colossale-affossa-lolio-doliva-opacita-spagna-tunisia-vunuz257.