Brussels, 24/03/2009 (Agence Europe) - Several ministers for agriculture from EU member states (Italy, France, Netherlands, Greece, Poland, Slovakia and Lithuania) gave their support on Monday v23 March in Brussels, to efforts made by the European Commission to resolve the “serious trade difficulties” experienced with Russia involving plant products. The Russian authorities are refusing European fruit and vegetables because these products contain levels of pesticide that are too high. Androulla Vassiliou, the European Commissioner for health, explained that a meeting would take place on 26 March in Prague between Russian experts and its own services to discuss this subject and attempt to reach an agreement on, “acceptable implementation measures” for the March 2008 memorandum on plant products.
The Commissioner explained to the Agriculture Council that the Russian authorities were now demanding that bilateral agreements are signed between Russia and each country of the EU on the continued delivery of plant products. The March 2008 memorandum stipulates that responsibility for implementation of arrangements is up to operators and not the respective authorities of member states of the EU. The Russians have criticised EU products for having exceeded the limits of pesticide residue, explained Ms Vassiliou, adding that maximum residue levels in Russia are much lower than those in force in the EU. The Commissioner also explained that most of the levels demanded by Russian services, “breach provisions in the 2008 memorandum and are not scientifically justified”. She added that the Commission intended to “maintain dialogue with the Russian supervisory authorities”. The aim is to propose an amendment of the 2008 memorandum to the Russians so that this text can possibly be signed by each EU member state. Italy and the Netherlands, however, do not appear to want to give in to Russian pressure and are refusing to negotiate bilateral agreements with the Russians. (L.C./trans/rh)