Vergaderjaar 2025-2026 Eerste Kamer der Staten-Generaal 1 Kamerstukken 22 112 Nieuwe Commissievoorstellen en initiatieven van de lidstaten van de Europese Unie JR BRIEF VAN DE LEDEN ŠEFČOVIČ EN HANSEN VAN DE EUROPESE COMMISSIE 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»1COM(2025) 75 final, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:52025DC0075 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