On 29 June 2026, the Council published a cover note containing an annex to a proposal for a Council decision on the position to be taken in the EU-Faroe Islands Joint Committee. The Joint Committee is set to adopt a new Decision (No …/2026) that would update veterinary trade rules for animals and animal products between the EU and the Faroe Islands, repealing the previous Decision 1/2001.
The proposed Decision would require the Faroe Islands to apply EU rules listed in Annex 1 for three categories: entry of animals and products from third countries into the Faroe Islands; movements from the EU to the Faroe Islands; and movements of listed items (Annex 2) within the Faroe Islands. The EU would apply its intra-EU movement rules to movements of listed items between the Faroe Islands and the EU. The Faroe Islands would also be required to perform official checks on products from third countries in line with Articles 79, 80, 83(2), 84, and 85 of Regulation (EU) 2017/625, including fee provisions, and to apply mutual assistance provisions under Article 8 and Articles 102-108 of the same regulation. Additionally, the Faroe Islands would need to use the TRACES and ADIS information systems.
A key new element is the alignment with EU rules on antimicrobials: imports from the Faroe Islands must respect the EU ban on using antimicrobials for growth promotion and restrictions on antimicrobials reserved for human use, as per Article 107(5) and Article 118 of Regulation (EU) 2019/6. The Decision also clarifies rules for fishery by-products and horses. It would enter into force upon adoption.
Stakeholder impact The update primarily affects EU and Faroese veterinary authorities, who must align inspection and reporting procedures with current EU law. For EU producers and exporters of animals and animal products, the harmonised rules maintain trade flows by ensuring Faroese standards match EU requirements. Faroese producers face new compliance costs, particularly regarding antimicrobial use restrictions and the use of TRACES/ADIS systems. EU consumers benefit from continued food safety assurances. The ban on antimicrobial growth promotion addresses public health concerns but may increase production costs for Faroese livestock operations.
Institutional follow-up The Council must adopt the proposal before the EU can present its position in the Joint Committee. Once adopted by the Joint Committee, the Decision will become binding on both parties.