In a written answer on 29 June 2026, European Commission Executive Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič clarified that EU legislation on professional qualifications facilitates the free movement of veterinary surgeons but leaves member states responsible for organising veterinary services and defining the scope of activities reserved to qualified professionals. The reply, addressed to MEP Veronika Vrecionová, underscores the Commission's view that current EU rules already enable member states to delegate certain veterinary tasks to trained personnel if they choose.
Šefčovič's answer points to Directive 2005/36/EC on the recognition of professional qualifications, which sets minimum training requirements for veterinary surgeons and allows them to practise across borders. However, the Commission stresses that member states retain discretion over health and agricultural policy, including the provision of veterinary care for livestock. The answer does not announce any new legislative proposals or numerical targets, instead reaffirming the existing legal framework.
the Commission sees no need for EU-level intervention to address potential shortages of livestock veterinarians, leaving solutions to national authorities. No specific institutional follow-up is indicated, but the answer may inform future discussions in the European Parliament's agriculture or internal market committees.