Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, in a written answer on 22 June 2026, declined to introduce an EU-wide suspension of live animal exports to conflict zones, stating that the Commission lacks the legal basis to adopt a delegated act listing countries to which exports would be banned. The answer, responding to a question from MEPs Anja Hazekamp and Sebastian Everding (The Left), instead emphasises that Member States' competent authorities are responsible for enforcing existing animal welfare rules and can refuse to approve long journeys if compliance cannot be guaranteed.
The question, submitted on 13 April 2026, cited a ban by the German state of Lower Saxony on transporting cattle, sheep, goats and pigs to 15 Middle Eastern countries due to the unstable political situation. The MEPs asked how the Commission monitors animal welfare in such transports, whether it would urge Member States to suspend exports to conflict zones, and whether it would adopt a delegated act to create a list of prohibited destinations.
Várhelyi's answer confirms that the Commission does not directly monitor transports to conflict zones, but audits Member States that transport animals by sea. He noted that the Commission has asked Member States to issue replacement certificates for consignments when needed and reminded them of their obligation to ensure animal protection up to the destination, including outside the EU. To improve welfare abroad, the Commission provides technical and financial support to the World Organisation for Animal Health and promotes international standards.
The Commissioner reiterated that the Commission's proposal to revise EU rules on animal transport is currently with co-legislators, signalling that any future changes to the legal framework would need to come through that legislative process rather than via delegated acts. The answer thus maintains the current division of responsibilities, leaving enforcement to Member States while the Commission focuses on audits and international cooperation.