The Council of the European Union has proposed a decision to update the veterinary rules governing bilateral trade in animals and animal products between the EU and the Faroe Islands, repealing and replacing the existing Decision 1/2001. The proposal, published on 29 June 2026, sets out the EU's position for the Joint Committee established under the 1997 Agreement between the European Community, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands.
The new decision will list the current Union veterinary legislation that the Faroe Islands must apply for entry of animals, products of animal origin, and animal by-products from third countries. For movements from the Union to the Faroe Islands, Union rules for intra-Member State movement will apply; similarly, for movements from the Faroe Islands to the Union, the same intra-Member State rules will apply. The Joint Committee, established by Article 31 of the Agreement, is expected to adopt the new decision based on recommendations from a veterinary sub-group.
This update follows the entry into force of the Protocol on Veterinary Matters on 1 January 2000, which supplements the 1997 Agreement. The proposed Council Decision is addressed to the European Commission and aims to ensure continued correct and uniform implementation of the Protocol by aligning the Faroe Islands' obligations with the evolving Union acquis. The move primarily affects EU and Faroese veterinary authorities, as well as traders in animals and animal products, who will benefit from clearer and updated rules. The Council's proposal is a procedural step that, once adopted, will be presented to the Joint Committee for formal approval.