EU tables dual-quality food ban, angering Czech politicians

Savvy expats know that heading to Germany to shop for everything from clothes to groceries can mean a big difference in quality and price when compared to the Czech Republic.

Changes to these practices were anticipated when the European Commission, together with the EU Council and the European Parliament, met the week before Christmas to adopt a new directive to protect consumers in Europe.

Mention of dual-quality food, however, was absent from the New Consumer Agreement, despite attempts by Czech ministers to ensure its inclusion.

The step has prompted a strong response from Czech political circles. “I have a big problem with the Austrian approach, it is necessary that the dual quality of the food is affected by the court decision, the dual quality of the food is forbidden, unfair, it is a so-called unfair practice,” MEP Jiří Pospíšil (TOP 09) told TN.cz which called the move a “betrayal”.

Austria is chairing the EU Council until the end of this year, after which the position will be held by Romania, which could mean an optimistic change in terms of the fight for same-quality food standards for the Czech Republic.

“I hope it will be more receptive to this matter than leaving Austria,” said the author of the amendments to the directive and MEP Olga Sehnalová.

The directive should be approved before the elections to the European Parliament in the spring of next year.