The European Commission, represented by Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi, has clarified that no notification of a general import suspension from Greece has been received, following reports that Greece imposed a blanket ban on live small ruminant imports—specifically sheep and goats—from all EU member states. The ban, which impacts Spanish and French breeders contracted to supply Greek farmers, highlights tensions between protecting animal health and maintaining intra-EU trade. The response was prompted by a parliamentary question from MEP Nikos Pappas (The Left), who raised concerns over the legality and proportionality of Greece's prohibition.
Commissioner Várhelyi’s answer does not introduce new policy but references existing legislation, including Regulation (EU) 2016/429, Delegated and Implementing Regulations on disease control measures, and related Commission decisions. The Commission underscores that strict harmonized EU animal health legislation restricts movement only as necessary while allowing trade to continue where safe. National measures must not hinder cross-border animal movements beyond EU provisions. Greece’s purported blanket ban appears inconsistent with this framework, prompting ongoing Commission monitoring.
Greek farmers may benefit marginally from heightened disease protections but risk supply disruptions. Breeders in exporting countries like Spain and France face significant economic losses from contract breaches and trade disruptions. Greek national authorities assume responsibility for disease containment but risk EU legal disputes. The Commission and broader EU market stakeholders prioritize maintaining single market integrity without undermining animal health standards. The Commission’s answer signals diligent oversight, with continued surveillance to ensure member state measures comply with EU law and to facilitate the resumption of intra-EU small ruminant trade without compromising animal health.