Navigating US Tariffs: Impact on European Food and Drink Trade, Economy, and Future Relations

European Parliament
Rue Wiertz 60
1047 BRUSSELS
Rue Wiertz 60 1047 BRUSSELS

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S&D Group logo, Political Group, European Parliament, EU European Food Forum logo, Institution, EU

Navigating US Tariffs: 

Impact on European Food and Drink Trade, Economy, and Future Relations 

Date: 
09/04/2026 
Time: 
09:00 - 10:30 
Location: 
European Parliament, Brussels, Room A5G305 

About the Event 


One year after the publication of the U.S. reciprocal tariffs introduced by the Trump administration, and in light of the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, the dynamics of transatlantic trade are once again at the center of political and economic debate. These developments make it particularly timely to reflect on recent trends and emerging challenges in EU–U.S. trade relations, especially in the agri-food sector.

Food and beverages represent far more than simple commodities—they are woven into the fabric of Europe's culture and daily life. However, in the context of trade negotiations, their broader economic, cultural, and social significance is often overshadowed by industrial concerns. To fully grasp the implications of recent U.S. tariffs on EU products, it is essential to look beyond trade statistics and consider the people at the heart of the food system: producers, consumers, and policymakers committed to maintaining quality, affordability, and sustainability.

This European Food Forum debate will convene a diverse range of stakeholders from across the agri-food sector to examine the repercussions of these U.S. measures and identify constructive ways forward. The discussion will address both immediate challenges and longer-term strategies for strengthening resilience and fairness in transatlantic trade.

Key topics for exploration include:

1. The economic and trade effects on iconic European food and drink products

2. Consumer perspectives on rising food prices and access to markets

3. Policy solutions to mitigate the impact and foster stronger cooperation with U.S. partners

4. An overview of the latest developments in EU–U.S. trade discussions, with a particular focus on the agri-food sector.

We invite you to join this timely conversation, contribute to the ongoing EU policy debate, and help shape a balanced, forward-looking approach to transatlantic trade in food and beverages.


Hosted by 


Brando BENIFEI, Member of the European Parliament, S&D, Italy

Brando BENIFEI

MEP BadgeMEP  Italy Flag Italy 

Member of the European Parliament

 S&D Group S&D   Partito Democratico Partito Democratico 
Brando BENIFEI

Committees

INTAInternational Trade
AFCOConstitutional Affairs
IMCOInternal Market & Consumer Protection
JURILegal Affairs

Delegations

CHAIR D-USD-US Delegation
D-BRDelegation for relations with the Federative Republic of Brazil
DMERDMER Delegation
DLATDelegation to the Euro-Latin American Parliamentary Assembly

Speakers 


⬇ Programme
Nicola TINELLI, Head of institutional affairs, UIV Italian Wine, Italy

Nicola TINELLI

Head of institutional affairs

UIV Italian Wine

Julia LEFERMAN, Secretary General, The Brewers of Europe, EU

Julia LEFERMAN

Secretary General

The Brewers of Europe

Louis HINZEN, Senior Manager Economic Affairs, FoodDrinkEurope, EU

Louis HINZEN

Senior Manager
Economic Affairs & Trade & Market Access Lead

FoodDrinkEurope

João ALBUQUERQUE, Director for Advocacy & Political Affairs, EuroCommerce, EU

João ALBUQUERQUE

Director for Advocacy & Political Affairs

EuroCommerce

Olivia BROWN, Policy Officer, Euroconsumers, EU

Olivia BROWN

Policy Officer

Euroconsumers

Miltiades KRIMZIS, Deputy Head of Unit The Americas, European Commission, EU

Miltiades KRIMZIS

Deputy Head of Unit
The Americas (AGRI/G2)

European Commission

Thomas LIEFLAENDER, Deputy Head of Unit DG TRADE, European Commission, EU

Thomas LIEFLAENDER

Deputy Head of Unit
DG TRADE
Unit D1 - USA and Canada

European Commission

Edouard COPPIETERS, Senior Policy Adviser, AmCham EU, EU

Edouard COPPIETERS

Senior Policy Adviser

AmCham EU

Iliana AXIOTIADES, Secretary General, COCERAL, EU

Iliana AXIOTIADES

Secretary General

COCERAL


Programme 


09:00 
Opening Remarks 
by MEP Brando Benifei 
09:10 
Economic Impact & Sectoral Insights: Overview of affected sectors 
Nicola TINELLI | Head of institutional affairs UIV Italian Wine 
Julia LEFERMAN | Secretary General | The Brewers of Europe 
Louis HINZEN | Senior Manager | Economic Affairs & Trade & Market Access Lead | FoodDrinkEurope 
Q&A 
09:35 
Consumer & Trade Policy Perspectives 
João ALBUQUERQUE | Director for Advocacy & Political Affairs | EuroCommerce 
Olivia BROWN | Policy Officer | Euroconsumers 
Miltiades KRIMZIS | Deputy Head of Unit | The Americas (AGRI/G2) 
Thomas LIEFLAENDER | Deputy Head of Unit | DG TRADE | Unit D1 | USA and Canada 
Edouard COPPIETERS | Senior Policy Adviser AmCham EU 
Iliana AXIOTIADES | Secretary General | COCERAL 
10:25 
Closing Remarks 
by MEP Brando Benifei 

Important – This event is by invitation, and only registered participants will be admitted. Due to capacity constraints, all attendees must register, including those already holding a European Parliament access badge. Registration is mandatory for admission.

MEP event
Released on: Germany (Deutschland), Austria (Österreich), Belgium (België / Belgique / Belgien), Bulgaria (България), Croatia (Hrvatska), Czech Republic (Česko), Denmarkv (Danmark), Estonia (Eesti), Finland (Suo...

European Parliament

Rue Wiertz 60 1047 BRUSSELS

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