Aan de Voorzitter van de Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal
Den Haag, 30 maart 2026
The Commission would like to thank the Folketing, the Eerste Kamer, the Tweede Kamer
and the Assembleia da República for their own-initiative Opinion on an EU action plan
for plant-based foods.
Discussing food and its nutritional aspects at national and European level is crucial
when reflecting on an agricultural model in which crop production and livestock farming
are integrated in a sustainable manner. It is also consistent with the broader approach
to improving the performance of food systems, supporting their long-term resilience,
efficiency and capacity to deliver safe and nutritious food. There is a broad consensus
that food systems need to evolve to address current economic, environmental and social
challenges. This evolution aims to ensure long-term food security and a stable supply
for future generations.
In its «Vision for Agriculture and Food»1 published on 19 February 2025, the Commission committed to delivering a plan that
aims to reduce the EU’s long-standing dependency on imported plant-based protein.
The plan, to be published during the first semester of 2026, will be based on a comprehensive
approach that considers both the production and consumption of protein in the EU.
It will address these challenges by integrating policy, research and on-the-ground
efforts to create a more self-sufficient and sustainable EU protein system, while
at the same time diversifying imports.
In addition, starting this year, the Commission will hold Food Dialogues with the
food system actors with the aim of addressing pressing issues in this area, promote
the exchange of best practices, improving consumers information, and ensure accessible
and sustainable food for all.
The Commission hopes that the clarifications provided in this reply address the issues
raised and looks forward to continuing the political dialogue in the future.
Member of the Commission, M. Šefčovič
Member of the Commission, C. Hansen