Food security in Ukraine is of great concern, particularly due to the deliberate targeting of food storage locations by invading Russian forces. Additionally, countries that rely heavily on cereal imports from Ukraine and Russia are at a heightened risk of food insecurity due to supply chain disruptions.

In response to this, the Commission published a Communication on 23 March 2022 which outlined a number of measures being taken to safeguard global food security and support EU farmers and consumers that have been impacted by Russia's military aggression against Ukraine.

In 2021, the Commission also published its Communication on the contingency plan. It outlines areas for improvement that were identified during the Covid-19 pandemic, principles that should be adhered to in times of crisis, and the creation of a European food security crisis preparedness and response mechanism (EFSCM).

To implement the principles outlined above, the Commission established the EFSCM, which relies on a dedicated group of experts and a set of rules and procedures governing its activities. Stakeholder organisations that play a role in the food supply chain, as well as certain non-EU countries with food supply chains that are highly integrated with the EU’s, were invited to contribute to improving cooperation between the public and private sectors.

The Commission convenes the group of experts periodically to improve levels of preparedness. The group may be convened in case of emergency or crisis without delay and as often as needed, to contribute to the response. The mechanism is triggered in case of exceptional, unpredictable and large-scale events or risks that have the potential to threaten EU food supply or security.