As the EU enters a decisive phase for the future of its food system, Eat Europe warns that the EU must choose between weakening its productive capacity or embracing a model of sustainable competitiveness grounded in technological neutrality, integration, and fairness across the food chain.

This was the starting message Eat Europe presented in a very participated event today in EP, at the presence of Commissioner Várhelyi, hosted by MEP Herranz Garcia, with representative of the European Commission, Consumers organisation (Safe), science (CREA) and International organization (FAO).

“Europe faces unprecedented global competition from the United States, China, India, Brazil, and other emerging economies.” said Luigi Scordamaglia, President of Eat Europe. “In this context, the EU can either follow the path of dismantling its manufacturing and agricultural potential in the name of an ideological transition, or it can react with cohesion and a renewed focus on real sustainability as a competitive asset. Eat Europe firmly supports the latter option and urges the new European Commission to clearly and decisively commit to it.”

Representing actors across the agri-food value chain, Eat Europe underlines its own responsibility in building a more integrated system that places processing at the service of European agricultural production—enhancing productivity, competitiveness, and environmental performance. At the core of this vision lies a fundamental principle: a fair distribution of added value, beginning with agricultural producers, the weakest link yet the foundation of Europe’s food security.

Eat Europe brings together farmers’ organisations, Farm Europe members and national associations committed to long-term agreements that guarantee fair, transparent prices and income stability—an essential condition to address the looming generational renewal crisis in agriculture. “We cannot expect young people to stay in farming unless they are offered stable income, fair prices, and clear recognition of their role,” Luigi Scordamaglia stressed.

Consumers and science are key allies in this mission. Eat Europe is committed to dialogue and transparency, working alongside consumer groups, scientific bodies and International Institutions. The organisation advocates for a clear explanation of policies such as the CAP, reminding citizens that its €300 billion budget is not a subsidy giveaway but a tool to offset higher EU production standards, preventing lower-quality imports or substantial increases in food prices.

Eat Europe also identifies its opponents: those pushing for a future detached from natural agricultural sourcing and based on artificial, ultra-processed, lab-made products controlled by a handful of multinationals. The organisation pledges to support the Commission and Commissioner Várhelyi in addressing growing concerns over such products, and to oppose retail actors engaging in unfair trading practices or purchasing below production costs.

Conversely, Eat Europe will promote retailers adopting transparent contracts and abandoning unfair practices, making this known to its strongest ally: consumers.

The organisation will not hesitate to call out any actor—including agricultural groups, large food companies, or even EU institutions—when they undermine Europe’s food producers or the strategic role of the sector. “Greenwashing is increasingly becoming farmers-washing,” it warns.

As legislative debates advance—from labelling to biotechnology to risk assessment—Eat Europe reaffirms its commitment to constructive, science-based contributions aimed at safeguarding public health while ensuring the economic viability of EU food producers. Science must remain the backbone of EU food policy, always serving consumers and the public interest, not the agenda of dominant market players.

Eat Europe stands ready to work with all institutions and stakeholders to guarantee a strong, sustainable, and competitive food future for Europe.