The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, met today in Paris with importers of Spanish foodstuffs and fruit and vegetable products, and informed them that he himself, our Embassy in France and the Spanish consular network had expressed to the French authorities their displeasure at the incidents involving lorry drivers, and their defence of Spanish products.
During the meeting, where he took the opportunity to express his support for our transporters and farmers, Albares described as unacceptable the incidents experienced by Spanish product carriers in the context of the French agricultural protests, as well as the declarations against Spanish products, which are of high quality and fully comply with applicable European regulations.
He recalled that France and Spain “are two key partners” in the agricultural sector, which has an important social and territorial structuring component. In this respect, he stressed that, as Member States, “we defend a common market built on the basis of the Common Agricultural Policy, and the free movement of goods, among other policies”.
Minister Albares expressly thanked the French Minister of Agriculture, Marc Fesneau, for his words and his solidarity, which he considered proof that Spain and France are two key partners in the agri-food sector.
Considering rising Eurosceptic movements, Albares highlighted the importance of maintaining the European common market to be borne in mind. The Minister stressed that it is particularly important in this sector, which guarantees our food security and territorial cohesion and protects the social fabric.
ANNEX. LIST OF ATTENDEES
• Nicolas Morinière: Vice-President of Compagnie Fruitière, a large fruit importing and distribution group in Europe, particularly in Spain.
• Philippe Lliso: President of Rafael Lopez, incumbent operator of the Rungis International Market with many ties to Spain.
• Jesus Bordils: President of Bordils, incumbent operator of the Rungis International Market with many ties to Spain.
• Julien Fenes: President of Primeurs Saint Denis, incumbent operator of the Rungis International Market with many ties to Spain.
• Olivier Herrera: founding President of Fresal, an operator for the Rungis market specialising in the import of fruit and vegetables from Spain, specialising in red fruits.
• Veronika Soboleva: Olivier Herrera’s wife and Fresal CEO.
• Franck Lliso: Managing Director of Select Agrumes, incumbent operator of the Rungis International Market with many ties to Spain.
The Minister's statements can be accessed at
STATEMENTS [Spanish only]