Romanian MEP Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR) has challenged the European Commission over its decision to prolong restrictions on live sheep and goat exports from Romania until 31 December 2026, arguing the measures may be disproportionate and fail to apply the EU principle of regionalisation. The restrictions, imposed following the re-emergence of sheep and goat plague, affect Romanian farmers and the livestock export sector, which faces continued economic losses despite the disease being concentrated in a single county.
In a written parliamentary question dated 15 July 2026, Târziu asked the Commission to justify keeping nationwide restrictions in place rather than limiting them to affected areas, as provided for under EU regionalisation rules. He noted that Romanian authorities have identified Mureș County as the only active hotspot and have submitted a technical plan requesting regionalisation to allow exports from disease-free areas to resume.
first, what epidemiological data and risk assessment justify the blanket ban; second, at what stage is the Commission's assessment of Romania's regionalisation plan and what further conditions are needed for approval; and third, what epidemiological and technical criteria must Romania meet for restrictions to be lifted or limited before the 31 December 2026 deadline.
The question signals a push by Târziu to hold the Commission accountable for proportionality in animal health measures, balancing disease control with economic interests of Romanian livestock producers. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will indicate whether it is open to regionalisation or insists on maintaining the current restrictions.