EU-measures for more food security

Written by Arno Van Rensbergen• September 27, 2022• 6:24 am• Climate, Politics
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is endangering the food security of millions of people around the world, particularly in low-income countries that depend on imported food and fertilisers. The European Union is taking action to ensure that food security is restored globally through international cooperation. It is also mobilising humanitarian aid and support for the most affected farmers.
As a long-standing and trusted partner for countries around the world, the EU is committed to global food security and building resilient food systems.
The EU currently has enough food, as Europe is largely self-sufficient in many agricultural products. However, for specific products, such as feed proteins, the agricultural sector is a net importer. Together with the high costs of inputs such as fertilisers and fossil fuels, this vulnerability is causing production problems in agriculture, potentially pushing up food prices.
The European Commission has proposed a series of short- and medium-term measures to increase food security globally. It also aims to support EU farmers and consumers, given the rising costs of food, energy and fertilisers, among other things.
Both humanitarian needs and costs are likely to increase, putting additional pressure on humanitarian aid. Since 2015, the EU has spent at least €350 million annually on humanitarian food assistance. Between 2020 and 2024, the EU is investing €18 billion in global food security. In the period 2021-27, the EU will support food systems in around 70 partner countries.