The European Commission adopted an EU livestock strategy on 7 July 2026, setting a long-term direction for the sector's competitiveness and sustainability. Livestock farming represents about 40% of EU agricultural added value, generates EUR 400 billion turnover per year, employs around 7 million people, and relies on 4 million farms. The strategy aims to advance resilience, strengthen competitiveness, improve animal welfare, minimise environmental footprint, and sustain rural economies.
The strategy, published as COM(2026)576, is a communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee, and the Committee of the Regions. It outlines key priorities including strengthening risk management frameworks, improving disease prevention and response (including reviewing the Animal Health Law and vaccination rules), and investing in climate adaptation and innovation. The Commission will explore a dedicated risk-management financial scheme under the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework with the European Investment Bank. Member States are to integrate resilience and sustainability practices into their National and Regional Partnership plans, supported by the CAP post-2027, Horizon Europe, and the European Competitiveness Fund. The livestock workstream will continue as a forum for discussion and development of initiatives.
The strategy balances economic competitiveness with environmental and animal welfare goals, creating trade-offs for stakeholders. For EU farmers, the strategy offers potential benefits through improved risk management and innovation support, but may impose new compliance costs related to environmental and animal welfare standards. National authorities will need to align their CAP strategic plans with the strategy's objectives, requiring administrative effort and potential reallocation of funds. The livestock industry, including processors and feed producers, faces pressure to adopt sustainable practices but gains access to EU funding for innovation. Environmental NGOs may welcome the focus on reducing environmental footprint but could criticise the lack of binding targets. The strategy's success depends on post-2027 EU budget negotiations and the willingness of Member States to integrate its priorities into national plans. The European Parliament and Council will now examine the communication, with potential amendments or endorsements expected in the coming months.