Question to the EC: Audit 2019-6898 carried out by DG SANTE in Romania to evaluate animal welfare during transport by livestock vessel to non-EU countries

See the joint question by Greens/EFA MEPs Francisco Guerreiro, Thomas Waitz , Monika Vana, Martin Häusling, Caroline Roose, Pär Holmgren, Petra De Sutter, David Cormand, Bronis Ropė, Alviina Alametsä, Yannick Jadot, Bas Eickhout, Marie Toussaint, Heidi Hautala, Claude Gruffat, Alice Kuhnke, Klaus Buchner e Jakop G. Dalunde to the European Commission and its answer on the Audit 2019-6898 carried out by DG SANTE in Romania to evaluate animal welfare during transport by livestock vessel to non-EU countries.

Subject: Audit 2019-6898 carried out by DG SANTE in Romania to evaluate animal welfare during transport by livestock vessel to non-EU countries

This audit attests to poor quality in the tests carried out and the records kept. It states that the central competent authority has not provided sufficient information, instructions or access to suitably qualified staff to support official veterinarians in checking the technical requirements and there is also a general lack of records in the system of controls to ensure animal welfare during transport by sea to non-EU countries. The report also notes that there is no evidence of checks to confirm that the animals are fit to continue the journey or of the adequacy of the vessels used for animal transport. More than 50 % of livestock vessels operating in the EU are Romanian. Given this situation, animal welfare problems arise during transport on board these vessels, and animals are likely to suffer injury or undue suffering during transport by sea to non-EU countries. In its reply to written question E-004206/2019 the Commission stated that it is exploring ways to improve compliance with relevant EU rules in the light of the outcome of the aforementioned audit, and that infringement actions will remain measures of last resort.

Given that Romania’s unwillingness has led to poor implementation and enforcement of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, what measures is the Commission taking to ensure that the country does enforce Regulation 1/2005?

Answer in writing

As a result of the audit referred to by the Honourable Members, the Commission issued recommendations to the Romanian competent authorities to address the identified shortcomings. Romania has submitted an action plan to address the recommendations and the Commission will be following up on Romania’s progress in implementing this action plan. 

The Commission has highlighted its concern about the inspection and approval of livestock vessels in Romania in a letter to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, where the Commission also asked for the Minister’s strong commitment to expedite the necessary actions to ensure immediate and full compliance with EU requirements on the protection of animals during transport(1).

The Commission is exploring the possibility to involve the European Maritime Safety Authority in supporting Member States’ inspections on livestock vessels. This measure has the potential to harmonise the inspection procedures, increase the transparency of the outcome of inspections and ultimately improve the vessels' standards.

While the Commission does not intend launching an infringement procedure against Romania at this point in time, it would like to reassure the Honourable Members that this remains an option in case of persistent failure to apply EC law correctly.

(1)       Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97, OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1‐44.

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