MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – 13th sanctions package – linseed processors – P-001208/2024

Priority question for written answer  P-001208/2024
to the Commission
Rule 138
Kathleen Van Brempt (S&D)

The 13th sanctions package includes a 50% import duty on linseed produced in and exported from Russia. The EU is almost totally dependent on Russia for its linseed supply: 86% of European linseed imports are produced in Russia or exported via Russia. For European linseed processors, no alternative supply is available. In addition, European arable farmers cannot take over production. The European linseed processing industry is heavily concentrated in Belgium; the import duty on linseed appears to be hitting it hard, with bankruptcies seemingly the inevitable consequence.

• 1.Is the Commission aware of these unintended side-effects of the import duty on linseed?
• 2.What alternatives does the Commission see for the European linseed processing industry?
• 3.Can linseed be exempted from the import duty on cereals and oilseeds that is included in the sanctions package?

Submitted:23.4.2024