On Tuesday 24 June, EU agriculture ministers were divided on the level of ambition for tightening the rules on the transport of live animals (see EUROPE 13649/9).
The Spanish delegation expressed its dissatisfaction with a number of key points, including transport times, temperatures and density in the lorries. “We cannot give the green light to the text as it stands”, said Spain, pointing out that the proposal dates back to the first mandate of the ‘von der Leyen’ Commission, while the context has changed with increasing demands for simplification. “I think it’s going to be a difficult text to agree on”, according to Madrid.
Finland highlighted its particular situation: “In Finland, we are dependent on foreign imports of day-old chicks, and the proposed time limits in transporting poultry would cause major problems. Similarly, the age and weight limits for calves are excessively strict and should be relaxed”.
France welcomed the text’s absence of a ban on exports of live animals to third countries.
Hungary considered that the proposal contained a number of sensitive points that were detrimental to producers, and asked the Commission to withdraw the text.
For Romania, limiting the transport of live animals by sea and reducing journey times, particularly for animals destined for slaughter, is a red line. “It is essential to avoid any unjustified measures that would make the European livestock sector less competitive”, the delegation argued.
Conversely, the Netherlands has called for greater ambition to improve animal welfare, particularly with regard to the conditions and duration of transport.
Sweden, which welcomed the Commission’s proposal, defended the idea of an agri-food system that is both sustainable and competitive, based on ambitious animal welfare legislation and a reduction in the use of antibiotics. However, it stressed that the new framework must be based on scientific data, demonstrating that the requirements are proportionate, cost-effective and accompanied by an appropriate transition period.
The Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU will resume work on this dossier, giving it particular priority.
Link to the report by the Polish Presidency: https://aeur.eu/f/hju (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)