Written question – Lack of controls on fruit and vegetable imports in Greece – E-002309/2025

Question for written answer  E-002309/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)

According to complaints from exporting entities, the necessary customs controls on fresh fruit and vegetable imports are not being applied in Greece, resulting in a violation of the European entry price system and unfair competition for Greek producers.

For example, in the first quarter of 2025, 1 271 tonnes of oranges were imported from Egypt but registered as of Bulgarian and Romanian origin, artificially increasing their price from EUR 0.43 to EUR 0.83 per kilo, without the imposition of duties. In 2024, a total of 861 000 tonnes of fruit and vegetables were imported, of which 155 000 tonnes were not registered by the Ministry of Rural Development. Similarly, out of 1 790 000 tonnes of exports, 150 000 tonnes are of unspecified origin, demonstrating a serious lack of interoperability with the Hellenic Statistical Authority.

In view of the above:

• 1.How does the Commission intend to ensure the application of the entry price system at Greek customs (which constitute European borders)?
• 2.Does the Commission intend to investigate the allegations of non-EU country products being ‘christened’ as intra-Community products in order to avoid duties and mislead consumers?

Submitted: 10.6.2025