In a written answer on 10 July 2026, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi indicated that the European Commission will consider increased support for vaccination as a central component of the forthcoming EU livestock strategy and the revision of EU animal welfare legislation. The answer, responding to a question from ECR MEP Aurelijus Veryga, underscores the Commission's view that prevention is better than cure, and that vaccination is a key tool for preventing livestock diseases, improving animal welfare, and protecting public health from zoonotic risks.
The Commissioner's response outlines existing and planned measures to support farmers in adopting vaccination practices. These include EU co-financing of vaccination plans and vaccine banks under the Single Market Programme, as well as research and innovation funding through Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe projects such as VAX4ASF, SAPHIR, and REPRODIVAC. A European Partnership on Animal Health and Welfare, involving 19 Member States and five associated countries, is also working on developing new vaccines and improving existing ones. Várhelyi noted that the EU is participating in World Organisation for Animal Health discussions to promote vaccination use, including its 'Prevent Forum'.
The answer does not set specific numerical targets or deadlines for vaccination uptake, but signals a policy orientation toward integrating vaccination more deeply into EU animal health and welfare frameworks. The upcoming livestock strategy and animal welfare legislation revision are expected to provide further concrete proposals. Institutional follow-up will likely involve legislative proposals from the Commission, with the European Parliament and Council expected to debate and amend them in the coming months. The answer suggests a moderate increase in EU-level support for vaccination, balancing disease prevention with farm productivity and public health protection, while leaving implementation details to Member States.