The European Parliament last Thursday approved emergency measures to support Tunisia ‘s economy by importing 70,000 tonnes of its olive oil duty free in 2016/17, after adding safeguards for EU olive oil producers.
The new legislation was approved by 500 votes to 107.
“The adoption of these emergency measures is good news for Tunisia , which is facing very serious difficulties. Increasing the zero-duty olive oil quota, without increasing total export volumes, will provide essential help for Tunisia, and is not likely to destabilize the European market,” said Rapporteur of the legislation Marielle de Sarnez after the vote.
The text needs to still formally be approved by the EU Council of ministers. It will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal, once the legislation has been signed during the EP’s April session.
