Greek MEP Nikolas Farantouris (Greens/EFA) has submitted a parliamentary question to the European Commission urging immediate action to address the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the island of Lesvos and its severe consequences for local livestock producers and the environment. The question, filed on 23 April 2026, highlights the urgent need for EU support to contain the disease, compensate affected farmers, and prevent long-term ecological damage.
The MEP asks the Commission to outline what emergency measures it plans to deploy, including financial aid for culled animals, biosecurity support, and assistance for waste management of carcasses to avoid soil and water contamination. He also inquires whether the EU will activate the Common Agricultural Policy's crisis reserve or other solidarity mechanisms to mitigate the economic blow to the island's agricultural sector.
Farantouris's question reflects growing concern among local producers and environmental groups about the ripple effects of the outbreak, which threatens not only livelihoods but also the island's fragile ecosystem. The Commission is expected to respond within six weeks, and its answer will signal the EU's willingness to intervene in regional animal health emergencies with concrete financial and logistical backing.
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