19/10/2026
Kristian Vigenin discussed the positions of the Socialists in the European Parliament with the participants in the Politics from the Inside internship
08/04/2025
Kristian Vigenin visited the St Ivan Rilski State Psychiatric Hospital
11/04/2025Kristian Vigenin discussed the positions of the Socialists in the European Parliament with the participants in the Politics from the Inside internship
08/04/2025Kristian Vigenin visited the St Ivan Rilski State Psychiatric Hospital
11/04/2025
Kristian Vigenin proposes measures against high food prices in Brussels
A successful start for the SME Connect working group on agriculture, food and consumers (AgriNutriCom)
The first meeting was held of the working group at SME Connect, AgriNutriCom, devoted to agriculture, food and consumers, which is chaired by Kristian Vigenin.
The main aim of the group is to build an effective dialogue between policymakers and small and medium-sized enterprises in the agri-food sector in Europe.
Vigenin, as a member of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety in the European Parliament, stressed how important the participation of all stakeholders is in creating sustainable and consumer-oriented policies.
Prices and pressure on small businesses
During the meeting important topics were discussed, such as the European Commission’s vision for the future of agriculture and food, with an emphasis on sustainability and innovation, as well as the rising food prices in Europe and their effect on consumers.
The participants in the working group pointed out that serious pressure on small and medium-sized enterprises is created by rising production costs, energy insecurity, climate challenges and global disruptions in supply chains.
The presence of numerous intermediaries along the chain from producer to end consumer was also recognised as an additional reason for the increase in the price of food products. In these cases it is often the consumer who takes the heaviest blow, especially the vulnerable groups, for whom access to quality food at bearable prices is becoming ever harder.
A resolution against high prices
This is why, in response to the challenges, the European Parliament has launched an initiative for the adoption of a resolution addressing the long-standing and the newly emerging challenges facing the EU internal market.
Particular attention is paid to the deepening inequalities between member states, with the countries of South East Europe especially affected by higher inflation, lower average wages and a higher risk of poverty.
A result of all this was also the boycotts of retail chains by consumers in the countries of South East Europe, provoked by the sharply increased prices to which governments are failing to respond effectively.
Vigenin stressed that these differences must be raised at European level, and he emphasised the need for targeted policies to ease the burden on both producers and consumers, and for sustainable local production to be supported. He also raised the question of the EU’s role in strengthening food security and in guaranteeing fair conditions along the whole chain, from farm to fork.
