The EU agriculture ministers criticised, on Monday 24 June, certain elements in the proposal aimed at improving the welfare of animals during transport.
Some ministers - from Finland, Bulgaria and Italy - deplored the proposed definition of ‘long-distance journeys’.
Ireland was concerned about a possible reduction in its access to the single market, which often requires long-distance journeys. On the other hand, the Luxembourg minister said that the proposal lacked ambition when it came to long-distance journeys to third countries, a view shared by his German and Danish counterparts.
The administrative and economic weight of the proposal seems to worry certain Member States. For the Swedish minister, it is important that the proposal “does not represent an unjustified economic and administrative cost for authorities and businesses”. Spain has conceded that the proposal “may have a serious impact on the livestock, transport and agri-food sectors”. According to the Estonian minister, “the legislation must not jeopardise the competitiveness or sustainability of the livestock sector”.
France said it was concerned about unfair competition between EU and third-country operators. The Czech Republic and Bulgaria have called for the longest possible transition period.
On Wednesday 26 June, the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States to the EU (Coreper) will examine a compromise proposal on dogs and cats (see EUROPE 13410/21). (Original version in French by Paul Charles – intern)