Green MEP Daniel Freund has asked the European Commission to clarify whether EU funds allocated to Romania are being used, directly or indirectly, in connection with municipal dog shelters that allegedly engage in inhumane practices, and whether the Commission plans to introduce safeguards to prevent such funding from undermining EU animal welfare standards.
The question, submitted on 7 April 2026 under Rule 144 of Parliament's rules, targets the Commission's oversight of EU spending in Romania, particularly funds linked to tourism, infrastructure, rabies control, and the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Freund cites long-standing concerns from animal rights activists about the treatment of stray dogs in Romanian municipal shelters.
Concrete asks and legal basis Freund's three-part question seeks specific information: what the Commission knows about the operation of Romanian dog shelters and allegations of inhumane practices; how it ensures that EU funds do not violate Article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which requires the EU and member states to pay full regard to animal welfare; and whether it plans to introduce conditionalities to prevent EU money from being linked to practices that undermine EU animal welfare standards.
The question does not set numerical targets or deadlines but requests a written answer, which the Commission typically must provide within about six weeks. The reply will signal the Commission's policy direction on linking EU funding to animal welfare compliance.
Policy orientation and expected follow-up The question reflects a push for stronger EU-level oversight of national animal welfare practices, particularly where EU funds are involved. It aligns with the Parliament's longstanding interest in animal welfare and could influence future funding conditionalities. The Commission's answer will be closely watched by animal welfare NGOs and Romanian authorities.
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