The Council of the EU is expected to adopt conclusions in the near future in which it asks the European Commission to come forward with a proposal to enhance animal welfare during transport.
According to a draft text of the conclusions, seen by EUROPE, the Commission will present such a proposal, if possible at an earlier date than the one set for in the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy (end 2023).
A European Parliament Committee of Inquiry on the Protection of Animals during Transport is also working on the subject (see EUROPE 12743/7).
According to the draft conclusions, “animal welfare during transport is a priority at EU level” and should be “ensured at all levels and stages of the journey during the international long-distance transport of live animals including to third countries, while favouring, and, supporting, as far as possible, the transport of genetic material and meat”.
The Commission is invited to emphasise the important role of the sea transporter, notably the obligation to communicate information before the journey.
Member States stress the need to improve and standardise the sea transporter authorisation and the vessel certification process (documentation requested, the technical requirements of the vessel, etc.).
Link to the project: https://bit.ly/3vMpQuh (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)