Written question – Fairness in the application of the new European animal welfare rules in the specific context of eastern Europe – E-002054/2025

Source: European Parliament

Question for written answer  E-002054/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR)

In Romania and other central and eastern European countries, livestock breeding is not just an important economic activity, but also a part of rural identity and cultural heritage. The new European animal welfare initiatives – such as the elimination of cages or the limiting of transportation – can place excessive burdens on small and traditional farms that do not have the resources necessary for a rapid transition.

There are concerns that these regulations are designed for large farms in western Europe and are being applied uniformly, without reflecting the Union’s economic diversity. This approach could have an adverse impact on farmers in the East and reinforce the perception of an unequal single market.

In this context, we request the following clarifications from the European Commission:

  • 1.What concrete measures will it take to ensure that the animal welfare standards will be implemented in a proportionate manner that reflects the structural differences between the Member States, especially those in eastern Europe?
  • 2.What types of financial support or transition mechanisms does it intend to offer to small farmers to enable them to adapt without the risk of being forced to cease their activity?
  • 3.How will it guarantee that the application of these rules will not lead to distortions in single market competitiveness to the detriment of farmers in less developed regions of the Union?

Submitted: 22.5.2025

Last updated: 28 May 2025