EU will not lower standards, says Phil Hogan

European food and drink standards and sensitive sectors will not be sacrificed on the altar of any trade deal, Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan claimed as he addressed the Madrid Food and Drink summit yesterday.

He said the EU has significant agriculture interests in many of the trade deals currently being negotiated, including with Japan and Vietnam, and in the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.

He said he will not compromise on EU food quality or traceability standards, and that this principle will be adhered to by all the European commissioners and will be fully reflected in negotiations with the US.