European Union
Nov. 17, 2025
EU Moves to Streamline Farm Rules and Help Farmers Compete
EU lawmakers have reached a provisional deal to simplify the Common Agricultural Policy, easing administrative burdens on farmers, reducing inspections and expanding support for small and organic producers.
Oct. 1, 2025
Regulators Investigate After Newspaper Identifies Olive Oil Fraud in Belgium
Authorities in Belgium are investigating after a newspaper found 20 out of 32 olive oil brands failed quality standards and one was adulterated.
Sep. 29, 2025
Food Inflation in Europe Squeezes Budgets, Shifts Consumer Habits
Food inflation is driving changes in diets and retail markets as prices for staples like olive oil skyrocket, impacting vulnerable households.
Sep. 19, 2025
European Parliament Rejects Proposed Revision of the Common Agricultural Policy
With their vote, MEPs want the European Commission to stick to the current model instead of pooling funds with other sections of the budget, and to reduce red tape for farmers.
Sep. 14, 2025
Record-Breaking Wildfires Scorch Europe in 2025
Two-thirds of the wildfire-inflicted damage came in Spain and Portugal, which combined to produce nearly half of the world’s olive oil in the 2024/25 crop year.
Sep. 9, 2025
EU Commission Approves Updated Terms of Mercosur Trade Deal
The European Commission approved the latest EU-Mercosur Partnership Agreement, including stronger safeguards and recognition of geographical indications.
Aug. 5, 2025 News Briefs
Aug. 5, 2025 News Briefs
Jul. 25, 2025 News Briefs
Jul. 25, 2025 Business
EU Commission Proposes Budget Cuts and Changes to Agricultural Policy
Jul. 17, 2025 Business
Jul. 17, 2025
EU to Set Aside Billions for Direct Payments to Small Farmers
EU budget negotiations include plans for direct payments to small farmers despite pushback from agricultural groups. US-EU trade talks continue.
Jul. 8, 2025
Europe Endorses Olive Oil Standard Changes Despite Industry Divide
The new standards established by the European Union and the International Olive Council have raised concerns among several European producers.
Jul. 7, 2025
Europe Continues to Liberalize Imports While Export Uncertainty Grows
As the United States considers more tariffs on European Union agricultural imports, including olive oil, another group of European countries removed tariffs on the Mercosur.
Jun. 25, 2025
Voluntary Adoption of Nutri-Score Approved in Romania
After years of debate and a temporary ban, the Romanian government has approved the voluntary adoption of Nutri-Score by food producers and retailers.
Jun. 16, 2025
EU Investigates Alleged Fraud in Greek Agricultural Subsidies
Greek officials are under investigation for mismanaging agricultural subsidies, with allegations of fraud and misuse of funds.
Jun. 11, 2025
EFSA Panel Rejects Some Olive Oil Polyphenol Health Claims
The panel rejected two submissions from Italy and Spain, stating that the scientific evidence fell short of the requirements.
May. 27, 2025
Trump Delays Tariff Deadline on EU Imports
Trump delayed a proposed 50 percent tariff on EU imports to July 9th, citing trade barriers and taxes. The U.S. is Europe' top olive oil importer.
Jul. 18, 2024
Despite Falling Prices at Origin, Olive Oil Retail Prices Remain Elevated
Various factors contribute to persistently high olive oil prices at retail, including market structure, speculation and resilient global demand.
Jun. 25, 2024
Green Deal Under Threat After E.U. Elections
While climate change is expected to be relegated in the E.U.’s priorities after the European elections, farmers are unlikely to see changes in their work in the near future.
May. 7, 2024
European Olive Oil Supply Hits Decade-Low
A production drop and low stocks have kept prices high, tempering demand.
Apr. 12, 2024
Global Production May Exceed Expectations, but Not Enough to Move Prices
Analysts predict climate change will result in new price dynamics, with high-quality extra virgin olive oil and other market segments behaving differently.
Mar. 7, 2024
Spanish Campaigners Lobby for Glyphosate Ban After EU Fails to Reach Consensus
The world’s most used herbicide was found in concentrations exceeding the legal limit in Mar Menor, spurring advocates to call for a ban in Spain.
Mar. 6, 2024
Europe Strengthens Protections for Geographical Indications
The reforms provide protection for PDO and PGI extra virgin olive oil from online fraud and ease the process of registering new ones with the European Commission.
Feb. 23, 2024
World Trade Organization Finds U.S. Noncompliant in Table Olive Trade Spat
The WTO ruled that the U.S. must remove tariffs on Spanish table olive imports, while a separate case is pending in the Court of Appeals.
Feb. 20, 2024
New Research Rekindles Debate on Nutri-Score’s Effectiveness
The OECD found Nutri-Score could save money on healthcare. Dutch researchers questioned the integrity of studies supporting the labeling system.