SOTEU: The right ingredients but an empty plate for food systems
On 16 September, Ursula von der Leyen delivered her sixth State of the Union address in Strasbourg, setting out the Commission’s priorities regarding security, climate targets, the cost of living, competitiveness, and jobs. Although security was a key part of her speech, it did not include any measures on food security. Nor did it address […]
Food may finally be given its own place in EU procurement law
The European Vegetarian Union welcomes the proposal for the Public Procurement Act, which recognises food as a key procurement sector and introduces positive changes such as the Best Price-Quality Ratio. However, EVU warns that some of these improvements are still voluntary and lack binding requirements. The European Commission’s proposal revising the EU’s public procurement framework, […]
European Parliament to vote on “veggie burger ban” for the third time
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brussels, August 26, 2026 European Parliament to vote on “veggie burger ban” for the third time The debate over “veggie burgers” naming has returned, with MEPs tabling amendments to the ongoing full revision of the Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation during the summer break. In February this year, the […]
What’s Ahead for Plant Foods Under the Irish Presidency?
The Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union began on 1 July 2026 and will continue until the end of December. During this period, the Presidency will focus on three key areas: competitiveness, EU foundational values, and security. Two of these — competitiveness and security — are particularly relevant to plant-based policy. Read […]
European Commission Unveils Plan to Strengthen Europe’s Plant Protein System
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brussels, July 7, 2026 European Commission Unveils Plan to Strengthen Europe’s Plant Protein System The European Commission has today published its long-awaited EU Protein Plan, setting out a framework for scaling up sustainable plant protein production in the EU and building an autonomous and resilient protein system. The Plan […]
Farmers at the centre: European Parliament event explored the future of agricultural diversification
On the 24th of June, the event ‘Grown in the EU’ demonstrated a growing interest in agricultural diversification. The discussion brought together farmers, policymakers and experts from across the EU to exchange views on how diversification can strengthen farm resilience and create new opportunities for European farmers. Most importantly, we heard directly from farmers who […]
Belgium: Over 100 stakeholders call for a National Protein Plan in Joint Call
Last week, a coalition of over 100 Belgian stakeholders presented their position paper, ‘Towards a Secure and Sustainable Belgian Protein System’, to the Federal Parliament. Representing universities, civil society groups, retailers, and agricultural organisations from across the country, the coalition called for an ambitious protein action plan. At the Federal Parliament, the coalition emphasised that […]
Why the EU is failing its farmers and how protein diversification could fix everything
Protein diversification offers a promising way forward for strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy, reducing climate-harming emissions, providing sustainable pathways for farmers and increasing competitiveness. However, progress is slow, and the current policy approach does not offer the necessary support to encourage diversification on a broader scale. With this in mind, the report ‘Protein Production in the […]
EU Protein Strategy
As the urgency to adapt our food systems grows, protein diversification becomes an increasingly important lever for meaningful food system change. Leguminous crops offer environmental benefits, support soil health, and provide new market opportunities for producers, providing a planet friendly source of protein. Yet, despite increasing political attention to sustainability and resilience, CAP financing remains […]
EU agrees on ban for plant-based food names: Veggie “Burger” and “Sausage” saved
PRESS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Brussels, March 5, 2026 EU agrees on ban for plant-based food names: Veggie “Burger” and “Sausage” saved The European Union has agreed on a list of words to ban for plant-based alternatives. During Thursday afternoon, the negotiators of the European Parliament, Council and Commission reached an agreement that will […]
