
Germany, Luxembourg and Holland in favor of more rigorous rules
The Council for agriculture should by half 2025 year. agree on the common position in the revision of the European Regulation on animal transport. Demanded this by the new EU Commissioner for health . health and welfare of animals Olivér Várhelyi at a meeting of agriculture member states. Germany, Luxembourg and Holland have called for higher regulations on transport of live animals. There are no prospects of achieving a unified stance by member states.
As explained Várhelyi, there are still incidents, which increases the pressure on both owners of animals, as and on authorities. According to him , however, this correction is necessary not only because of the welfare of animals. It would also improve the competitiveness and reputation of the breeding industry.
Large differences between member states
Today between member states still exist significant differences. Secretary of State in German Ministry of Agriculture Silvia Bender appealed to impose stronger requirements on transport of live animals. She stressed, that the trade of meat and breeding material will provide alternatives.
Described in detail the case, in which cattle died during transport of animals at the external border of the EU. According Bender it is necessary to prevent this type incidents in the future by agreements. This would enable detailed regulation of animal crossing the border before the beginning of travel.
Luxembourg calls for implementation of severe regulations
A delegation from Luxembourg has taken a more critical position on transports of animals to third countries. She called for a ban on exports of animals to countries outside the EU, in which there are no equivalent welfare standards for animals.
However at the same time Luxembourg nalega on simpler regulations for transport on short distances. A similarly restrictive stance against transport of animals to third countries has been adopted by the Netherlands.
Reporting to national situations
Spain from countries has emphasized the economic importance of trade of animals. Member States located on the periphery of the EU also should not be punished. One of the most concerns about possibly too high animal welfare
standards came from Romania. As reported in Bucharest, the proposal of the European Commissionmay significantly weaken rural areas in
many countries of the EU.
Finland has called for taking more in national specificities, for example. temperature limits. Must
put more emphasis on technical solutions to provide welfare for animals.
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