The European Parliament in
Strasbourg on Thursday gave its final approval to a package of
aid to Tunisia, including a controversial regulation that will
permit the importation of an additional 35,000 tonnes of
Tunisian olive oil to the EU without duties. The package, which
was approved with 500 votes in favour, 107 against and 42
abstentions, has prompted concern in some quarters, especially
among Italian farmers fearing the impact it will have on prices
and their livelihoods. Premier Matteo Renzi's government is not
in favour either. "I remain firmly opposed to any permanent
increase in the Tunisian oil quota," said Agriculture Minister
Maurizio Martina. "We have put clear conditions on the
application (of the measure) and on the monthly quotas and we do
not intend to yield on this point. If we don't get guarantees,
we'll continue to oppose the adoption of the regulation by the
Commission". He added that inspections of products arriving at
Italian ports had been "stepped up".
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