Document type: Answer to Question E-003635/2023 from the European Commission
Authors: Question: Daniel Buda (EPP). Answer: Mr. Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission
Question :
The modernisation of the European rules on animal welfare during transport pursues a legitimate aim, but the introduction of new requirements entails significant logistical, technological and operational adjustments for farmers and transporters. Without adequate support, these additional costs could affect scrupulous operators in particular and widen the gaps between Member States in terms of their implementation capacity.
In order for the high welfare standards to be complied with in practice, they must be accompanied by instruments that make the transition economically viable. Otherwise, there is a danger that the financial pressure will be shifted onto producers who are already vulnerable, particularly in outlying areas or in regions where logistical distances are greater. Good regulation must also be enforceable, not just ambitious.
Does the Commission intend to provide for a European financial support mechanism to help the sector adapt to the new animal transport rules so that the compliance costs do not disproportionately affect farmers and operators in logistically disadvantaged regions?
Answer:
As indicated in Commission’s answer to the Parliamentary Question E-004663/2025 [1], the impact assessment [2] accompanying the proposal on the protection of animals at the time of transport [3] distinguishes between costs borne by farmers and those borne by transporters and other sectors.
Specific costs for vehicle improvements, space allowance and weather-dependent logistical planning, are primarily borne by transporters. To mitigate the impacts, the proposal includes transition periods.
As the most important economic impacts identified relate to space allowance requirements, the Commission looks forward to discussing with the co-legislators in the context of the interinstitutional negotiations of the proposal how the final rules can best balance animal welfare improvements with their economic impacts.
There are various EU funds that are relevant, which include, among others, the Common Agricultural Policy for farmers.
Nevertheless, existing EU funding and financing instruments may support investments where relevant. In particular, support for farmers can be provided under the common agricultural policy, for investments in infrastructure and equipment facilitating compliance with the proposal’s requirements.
Furthermore, in the framework of the recently published EU L ivestock Strategy [4], the Commission will explore the possibility of a potential dedicated financial instrument for the livestock sector including for animal welfare measures.
[1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/E-10-2025-004663-ASW_EN.html.
[2] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52023SC0401.
[3] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=CELEX%3A52023PC0770.
[4] COM/2026/576 final.
