In early April 2020, Romania issued a decree banning the exportation of cereals, flour, sugar and other agricultural food products during the state of emergency in which the country finds itself due to the COVID-19 pandemic .

On 13 April 2020, the Greek Minister for Rural Development and Food sent a letter to the competent European Commissioners, including the Commissioner for Trade, Mr. Phil Hogan, noting, firstly, that this decision by Romania violates the basic principles and rules of the Common Market and the Common Agricultural Policy and, secondly, that its implementation will create serious problems for trade and the smooth operation of the food supply chain within the European Union.

Will the Commission say:

1. What is the Commission’s position on Romania’s decision to ban exports of cereals, flour, sugar and other agricultural food products during the COVID-19 pandemic?

2. Does this decision violate the provisions of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union?

Read the question to the EC here.