In a written answer on 18 June 2026, EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi detailed the European Commission's response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak on the Greek island of Lesvos, emphasising technical and financial support for Greek authorities. The answer, responding to a priority question from S&D MEP Sakis Arnaoutoglou, confirms the activation of EU emergency mechanisms and offers co-financing for surveillance and eradication, while stopping short of committing to specific new measures such as preventive vaccination for the local sheep breed.
The Commission's response highlights several concrete actions already taken: the deployment of a Veterinary Emergency Team (EUVET) mission to Lesvos from 24-27 March 2026, activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and cooperation with the EU Reference Laboratory for Foot and Mouth Disease to boost diagnostic capacity. The EU vaccine bank for foot and mouth disease remains available upon request by Greek authorities. EU co-financing for eligible emergency measures—including surveillance, diagnostics, and eradication activities—may be provided under the Single Market Programme (Regulation (EU) 2021/690).
However, the answer does not address the MEP's specific requests for an assessment of necessary staffing levels in the affected area, activation of transnational cooperation mechanisms with other Member States' reference laboratories, or targeted protection measures for the local Lesvos sheep breed as a valuable genetic resource. The Commission's response remains largely procedural, outlining existing support frameworks rather than announcing new initiatives. The EUVET mission findings, presented to the Standing Committee on Plants, Animals, Food and Feed, had highlighted high risks of undetected spread and called for enhanced surveillance, biosecurity, and diagnostic capacity.
Stakeholder impact: Greek veterinary authorities will benefit from EU co-financing and technical assistance but may face delays if staffing gaps remain unaddressed. EU livestock farmers in unaffected areas gain reassurance from the EU's rapid response framework, though the lack of preventive vaccination could leave the Lesvos sheep breed vulnerable. The EU Reference Laboratory's involvement strengthens diagnostic capacity across the bloc. The Commission's reliance on existing mechanisms rather than new measures may reassure Member States wary of EU overreach but could frustrate those seeking a more robust, coordinated response to transboundary animal diseases.