While the importance of transitioning to a sustainable food system should not be underestimated, the Green Deal in its current form is not compatible with ensuring food security for Europeans and at the same time a profitable existence for farmers, in particular in the current context of the outbreak of Russia's war in Ukraine. We must safeguard the competitiveness of our farmers and ensure fair trade that guarantees reciprocity or mirror clauses when it comes to production standards. Europe's farmers are overburdened with rising production costs and environmental obligations. 

The ECR Group reiterates the importance of generation renewal in the agricultural sector, which is often seen as an undesirable profession. The establishment of young people in rural areas with access to services and leisure and employment opportunities is key to preserving agriculture across the EU and thereby contributing to our food sovereignty. 

We remain opposed to any food standardisation, imitation of our top-quality products, and any misleading labelling systems, such as the Nutri-Score system, which would damage our culinary heritage. We recognise the need for sustainable agriculture policy but one that is also compatible with production activities and maintaining the sector as a strategic asset.