In a written answer on 3 July 2026, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Olivér Várhelyi detailed the European Commission's existing and potential measures to assist livestock farmers affected by foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), responding to a parliamentary question from Loucas Fourlas (PPE). The answer underscores the Commission's reliance on the EU legal framework, notably Regulation (EU) 2016/429 and delegated acts, which mandate immediate control measures such as protection zones, culling, movement restrictions, and vaccination where appropriate.
Várhelyi confirmed that following FMD confirmations in Greece and Cyprus, the Commission imposed interim restrictions via Implementing Decisions in February and March 2026, later replaced by more tailored measures in March and April. Financial support is available through the Single Market Programme, co-financing culling, farmer compensation, cleaning, and vaccination. The Commission also stands ready to deploy vaccines from the EU FMD antigen bank upon Greece's request. Additionally, under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) Strategic Plans Regulation, Member States can support biosecurity investments and crisis payments, while the Commission may adopt exceptional market support measures for losses due to disease-related restrictions.
The answer, however, does not announce new or additional funding beyond existing instruments, nor does it specify activation of exceptional aid. It reiterates the Commission's readiness to use current tools, leaving the initiative to Member States for CAP-related support and to request vaccine deployment. The response signals a cautious approach, balancing disease control with existing budgetary frameworks, and offers no immediate new financial commitments for affected farmers beyond what is already in place.