Mirror measures

European imports of agri-food products increased by nearly 22% between 2011 and 2021 (in value). A large portion of these imports does not meet European environmental and sanitary production standards.

To combat pesticide-related diseases and antibiotic resistance, to protect biodiversity, and to address soil and water pollution, the EU has already banned several hundred dangerous pesticides and certain intensive farming practices that compromise animal welfare. And it must further intensify its efforts to address the climate crisis and biodiversity collapse. However, these standards too often stop at the EU’s borders.

By importing agricultural products that are treated with substances or derived from agricultural practices banned in the EU, the EU is failing to meet its commitments to environmental protection and public health, leaving European farmers exposed to unfair competition.

That’s why we urgently need to strengthen import requirements. Some mirror measures already exist (for example, regarding hormone-treated meat). Others are planned for the near future (regulations on veterinary medicines, on imported deforestation or on residues of neonicotinoids). However, much remains to be done

• to ensure effective compliance with these rules
• to address the remaining regulatory divergences, and
• to block trade agreements that grant trade preferences without specific requirements for the sustainability of production methods.

Stronger mirror measures would :

1. Safeguard EU consumers and third countries producers and local communities from exposure to harmful substances
2. Protect our environment from contamination by banned pesticides, antibiotics and pollutants.
3. Provide fair competition for our farmers, protecting them from unfair market conditions in the EU and globally.
4. By implementing mirror measures, we would take a vital step toward a healthier, more sustainable, and fair agricultural sector that serves both our communities and our environment.